Progress of the Season: April
By Martin Motes (with permission)
As we pull out of the coldest winter in 70 years, exceptional coolness persists. Dendrobium species, catasetums and other seasonally dormant sympodial orchids are slow to break into growth this year. Be extra careful not to overwater them particularly as the super size fronts that have given us so much cool air have also arrived with extra abundant water. Be on the look out for crown rot in vandas, as well as bacterial leaf spotting, which is best treated with a direct application of a slurry of equal parts mancozeb (Manzate or Dithane) and cupric hydroxide (Kocide). If plants are still showing any reddening of foliage, another application or two of Epsom salts (1Tbs. per gal) is indicated. The wide swing of day to night temperature with highs finally climbing into the eighties will be stimulating vigorous root growth. This is one of the few moments when high phosphorus fertilizers prove beneficial. One or two applications of “Bloom Booster” formula can promote strong root growth.
Coming out of a March that seemed like February, we might well be entering an April that will be March-like. Water exceptionally heavily when water is called for and take advantage of the high drying potential by maximizing air circulation. The rainy season may well arrive while our sympodial plants are in an unusually early stage of growth. Be sure that newly emerging growths have plenty of light and air. Amidst all these cautions, don’t forget to enjoy the wonderful weather that surrounds us