Question
Someone told me yesterday that as apples ripen or age they release something that will cuase nearby orchids to die. Is this true?

Answer
Hello Jeff,

Actually, apples and some other fruits emit ethylene gas as they ripen which is fatal to the flowers and unopened buds of orchids.  The plants themselves should survive but may not grow as well as they would without the fruits near by.  It is best to keep any fruits a minimum of 10 feet away and also not within the same room if the room is closed.  

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, Ca.