Man, if you don't own a few Eulophias already, you need to get your hands on these bad boys.  Very interesting stuff.  Check out the special offer by clicking on the link below or either of the photos. We are offering a special deal if you order multiples, as usual.

 

       E. euglossa                                                                               E. nuda

         

 

          July Eulophia Special   

 

Spring seems to have missed us this year!  Here in the Midwest, we dealt with a very cool, wet spring.  It was cloudy with record-breaking rainfall day after day throughout the season.  Just this past week we made a drastic transition from cold and wet to hot and humid.  We have received many inquiries the past month from hobby growers concerned about spotting on their orchids. 

 

We, too, have experienced more than normal spotting and even the occasional black rot this season.  Most of this is due to the wet climate.  There are all kinds of bacteria and fungi that will attack your plants under these conditions; most of the damage is done when the  plants do not dry off quickly enough.  Cool and wet weather intensifies the leaf damage.  Anytime your growing area is wet and/or very humid, you may want to increase your air movement by setting up fans to dry off the plants more quickly.

 

Black leaves or black "new growth" is especially bad.  This usually indicates the evidence of "black rot," which can spread to the rest of your plant.  If you see black areas on your plants, especially on the new growth, cut the area away with a clean, sharp knife.  If your potting material seems to be staying wet, you may also want to repot into fresh media, which tends to drain better and thus dries out more quickly. 

 

We also carry several bactericide/fungicide products that will help control or stop the spotting and tissue damage on your plants.  Captan is one product that can be watered onto your orchids and media.  It will help prevent fungal diseases.  Phyton 27 is a systemic product specifically formulated for roses and orchids to control fungus and bacteria.  Physan can also be used to stop algae from forming in and on pots, media, humidity trays and rainwater cisterns/collecting systems.  Keep at least one such product on hand in order to treat immediately if you see evidence of black spotting.  This will reduce the tissue damage and prevent the condition from spreading.

 

The best thing one can do when extreme weather occurs is to watch your plants carefully.  Look at the new growth, leaves and roots during your weekly watering schedules; treat problems as quickly as possible after noticing. 

 

Stay cool and breezy!

 

Liese