We love and appreciate the positive feedback that the Dear Doc feature has been generating. Thank you, and keep the feedback and questions coming.

Q: Dear Doc:

Can I plant Vandas and Dendrobiums in the same area?

— Sybil

A: Dear Sybil:

An immediate response is 'No', the Vandas need much more water than the Dendrobiums.

Q: Dear Doc:

Is 20-20-20 fertiliser enough food for my orchids?

— Debbie

A: Dear Debbie:

Like humans, plants cannot get all the nutrients from one type of food, so do use different soluble fertiliser. I'll let you in a little secret — I've even used tomato fertiliser on orchids. Any soluble fertilisers will work; they don't have to say "for orchids".

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.