Host an Event Volunteer Join Tickets

Support the plant database you love!

DONATE TODAY

Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?

A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.

Help us grow by giving to the Plant Database Fund or by becoming a member

Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?

Share

Ask Mr. Smarty Plants

Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

Search Smarty Plants
See a list of all Smarty Plants questions

Please forgive us, but Mr. Smarty Plants has been overwhelmed by a flood of mail and must take a break for awhile to catch up. We hope to be accepting new questions again soon. Thank you!

Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.

 
rate this answer
Not Yet Rated

Monday - January 26, 2009

From: San Jose, CA
Region: California
Topic: Non-Natives
Title: Problems with non-native orchid
Answered by: Barbara Medford

QUESTION:

I have vanda sanderiana that has wrinkled and yellowing leaves.They are located outdoors, northeast section, plenty of morning direct light and still bright even when the sun is at 3:00 oclock.I water daily since the roots are hanging, fertilize weekly weakly. area is windy and cool at night. Cant stop the leaves from yellowing. The leaves do not open up either( they should be "V" shaped if ok should'nt they?

ANSWER:

Vanda sanderiana is an orchid native to the Philippines. Get more information about it from this 2009 Phillipines Orchid Society Annual Orchid Show Vanda sanderina website. The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center has information in our database and research only on plants native to North America. There is an excellent  American Orchid Society website that has sections with education and help on growing orchids.

 

More Non-Natives Questions

Why will my Plumbago not bloom in Buies Creek NC?
June 15, 2009 - I purchased a plumbago about two weeks ago with w few old blooms. I pinched them off, and my plant has not bloomed since. I understand they bloom profusely, and have witnessed it myself. Why isn't...
view the full question and answer

Native plants for southwest exposure in Tulsa OK
April 24, 2008 - I want to plant something in a bed on the South side of my house with some Western exposure. The space is in a bed that would share space with a Red Tip Photinia (next to the house)& liriope( on the ...
view the full question and answer

Non-native Boulevard Cypress Pom Pom trees in Princeton NJ
October 29, 2011 - I just had some landscaping done near my front door and front yard. I have two Boulevard Cypress B&B (4-5') Pom Pom. The pom poms are turning brown. What should I have been doing? I am watering them ...
view the full question and answer

Leaves browning on non-native willow from in Cumbla PA
July 10, 2011 - We recently planted a willow tree. A lot of the leaves turned yellow and some turned brown, but it is also getting some new buds. my question is, should I take the dead leaves off or leave them there...
view the full question and answer

Suggestions for vegetables to grow in North Texas
October 12, 2015 - Hi, I want some suggestions on vegetable plants that withstands North Texas winter icy weather? and when to plant them? Thanks, Meena.
view the full question and answer

Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today.