Question
QUESTION: Hi Jim,
I returned from Florida in June with a double Phaelaenopsis orchid, which had 6 buds, but only 2 of them blossomed, with the others falling off the plant.  The blossoms are now gone and I would like to repot it, as it was in sphagnum moss and "peanuts".  The very bottom leaf turned yellow and fell off.  Any suggestions for further care of this orchid?  I live in Texas and had it outside a few mornings, but it may have gotten too hot for it at 100 degrees!  Thanks for your help.

ANSWER: Hi Darlene,

Living in Texas, I would suggest keeping your Doritaenopsis (Dtps.) indoors where temperatures hopefully are below 100.  (grin)  

Before repotting it, have the potting media and a cutter or shears ready.  Take it out of the pot and clean off as much of the sphagnum moss as you can from the roots, cut off any roots that are soft and mushy as they are dead.  Check the plant for any bugs under the leafs which is their favorite hiding place.  Place a little media in the pot then lower the roots into it until the bottom leaf is just above the pot and try to keep the plant in the center of the pot.  Add more media to fill in the spaces around the roots, when full gently press down on the media to compact it and add more as needed.  That's about it except for watering.  

Dtps. like the same conditions as phals. so put it where it will get bright shade, temperatures between 60F to 85F, humidity above 50% along with some light air movement present.  Water it when the media just starts to become dry.  It would be a good idea to feed it a little balanced orchid fertilizer once in a while.  

The reason the buds fell off soon after you brought it home from Florida is probably due to the changes in temperature plus maybe humidity.  Many orchids do not like sudden temperature changes, slow and easy changes are okay.  

Hope this helped.

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, Ca.



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks much for your help, Jim.  As you mentioned, there were a couple of bugs in the media.  I accidentally tipped the orchid over before repotting, and discovered them at that point.  What should I apply, or do, to eradicate the little critters?  I was planning to repot today, but may wait till I hear back from you.  Thanks again.

Answer
Hi Darlene,

If they were just plain bugs I wouldn't worry too much about them but if they were mealybugs it would be a good idea to get a systemic insecticide that is recommended for orchids.  It will require 3 treatments about a week apart to ensure you've gotten all of them including any eggs.  You can repot now and treat the plant afterwards.  

Hope this helped.

I apologize for being so late in responding but my 91-year old mother has been in the hospital, thankfully she is slowly getting better.  

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, Ca.