Q: Dear Doc: My Dendrobiums are big, fat and green but won't bloom. What could be the reason for this?

– Moya

A: Dear Moya:

Back off the fertiliser that you are using and step up with the bloom booster. Also, take your time and expose it to more sunlight... a little more sun each week will do the trick. You should have blooms coming out within a month or two.

Q: Dear Doc:

My Vandas are not blooming; when the spikes come up, the head of the bloom gets dark and dries up. What could be the problem?

- Nikki

A: Dear Nikki:

Sounds like you have not been spraying as this seems to be a case of thrips. Please hurry to the farm store and ask for newmectin. Use 1/4-1/2 teaspoon per gallon of water once per week for three to four weeks, after which reduce to once every two weeks. It is wise to have two sets of chemicals to interchange after three to four weeks' usage. By the way, please use the higher of the dosage for about two usage then use the lesser dosage.

Betty Ashley is an avid orchid enthusiast who has spent decades successfully cultivating orchids for herself, as well as for orchid lovers across the island, earning herself the title Orchid Doc. Send your orchid questions and/or concerns to: bettymay@flowjamaica.com.