Rent Shop Volunteer Join

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

Plants that will survive in Mammoth Lake, CA
June 25, 2009 - What fruit trees survive the Mammoth Lakes winter? What roses will grow in Mammoth? Please give me a list of all trees that grow in Crowley and Mammoth lakes?
view the full question and answer

Care for 'Winchester' honeysuckle?
June 05, 2009 - I have a Winchester honeysuckle that is now in full bloom. Do I "deadhead" the blooms after they die off?
view the full question and answer

Problem with non-native bower vine (Pandorea jasminoides)
September 27, 2011 - I live in Temecula, CA I have grown pink bower vines before with great success. I recently purchased 2 bower vines and planted them on each side of a trellis in full sun. They flower but do not grow...
view the full question and answer

Non-native bermudagrass dying under non-native globe willow in Granbury TX
July 14, 2010 - We have a beautiful globe willow in our back yard with bermuda grass. All the grass is thinning out or dying under the tree. What can we do, is there another glass we could use that blends well with...
view the full question and answer

Is non-native Viburnum suspensum (sandankwa) poisonous to dogs?
March 20, 2011 - Are Viburnum suspensum leaves or berries (Sandankwa) poisonous to dogs?
view the full question and answer

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