Here are some points for this month’s orchid care:
· Most sympodial orchids are finishing their growth cycle or at least slowing down. So, for everything but the vandas and phalaenopsis, cut back on fertilizer.
· Continue to apply pesticides and fungicides this month.
· Watch your plants for fungus attacks. If you see something unusual, remove that plant to a segregated, dry place and remove any black areas on the plant. You don’t want to spread the problem to any other plants by splashing water.
· Also, apply snail bait in your growing areas.
· Remember that Nobile type dendrobiums don’t get fertilizer after August.
· Clean up any dead plant material that may have collected around your plants.
· Give the plants more space so they get maximum air flow.
· You can also trim your trees of extra summer growth that will shade and slow down air flow around your orchids.
· This is your last chance to repot or mount, if you must, because of rotten mix. It still allows a few months for your plant(s) to recover before winter.
Primary source: Dr. Martin Motes
