New Orchid Buying Protocol - Page 3 - Orchid Board

b amateur · #21 09-04-2009, 06:53 AM

Sweet! Where does one aquire Agdia test strips?

orchids3 · #22 09-04-2009, 07:58 AM

I isolate everything that is new but repotting depends on the vendor. I repot everything to my own mix shortly after I get it but some vendors can wait longer than others. Be especially aware of the posibility of virus and learn visual cues - test or have tested any thing that is suspicious. Buy only from vendors that will replace plants if found virused. If anything it makes them more cautious. Dont buy from anyone who does not agree to replace plants if virused.

kiki-do · #23 09-04-2009, 08:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nhman

I test for viruses with Agdia test strips.
These test for the two most common categories of viruses that orchids may have. It's a simple test to do and the results are available within minutes. Not perfect, but better than most options. Although there is some expense involved (not THAT great compared to the cost of our orchids!!!) I believe that it's worth it to protect my collection.

I also make liberal use of hand sanitizer between touching plants and flame any tools that have contact with my orchids after use.
Probably over the top - I'll admit it!!

I would be interested in purchasing these Agdia test strips. Where do you get them?

b amateur · #24 09-04-2009, 01:08 PM

Agdia.com....$125.00 usd +shipping/handling for 25 strips w/buffer and instructions.

Hedge · #25 09-05-2009, 08:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by b amateur

Agdia.com....$125.00 usd +shipping/handling for 25 strips w/buffer and instructions.

That's nearly what half of my entire collection has cost me to purchase so far - I suspect I will stay at the interested level rather than total enthusiast for a while yet simply down to financial restrictions

b amateur · #26 09-05-2009, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hedge

That's nearly what half of my entire collection has cost me to purchase so far - I suspect I will stay at the interested level rather than total enthusiast for a while yet simply down to financial restrictions

Hedge, I suspect you will be in good company there! Let me see, thats 10 new babies from my favorite purveyor,...oh my, tough choice...Brad

V_coerulea · #27 09-23-2009, 06:46 PM

I always repot new plants unless in bloom. I have a large collection and watering cannot be done to acommodate indiviual plants so the mix has to reflect the watering it's going to get. Of course, this has the added bonus of getting rid of media-borne problems. I spray all with an miticide/insecticide/fungicide mix in bloom or not. I try to avoid the flowers. Then isolate for a week or so. It only takes one sudden sneak attack of thrips, mites, scale, bacterial or fungal infection in a large collection to make you kick yourself hard for getting lax. And in a large collection, individual attention is not as diligent as in a smaller one, the attack can be widespread before you see it. It can take months or years to get it back under conplete control. Prevention is such a small thing to do and can preserve your collection.

pedidiva · #28 05-13-2011, 03:54 PM

I check out the roots, trim if necessary, soak with fungicide, pot in new media. Many times I soak the pot in fungicide, too. Isolate as much as i can for a bit.

fishmommy · #29 05-13-2011, 04:44 PM

I always repot and remount. I think it's more about marking my territory than anything.
I find that it's really needed anyway about half the time. Some vendors are better about potting/media than others.

Olivia · #30 05-13-2011, 05:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nhman

I test for viruses with Agdia test strips.
These test for the two most common categories of viruses that orchids may have. It's a simple test to do and the results are available within minutes. Not perfect, but better than most options. Although there is some expense involved (not THAT great compared to the cost of our orchids!!!) I believe that it's worth it to protect my collection.

I also make liberal use of hand sanitizer between touching plants and flame any tools that have contact with my orchids after use.
Probably over the top - I'll admit it!!

I just looked at the agdia website and there's a whole slew of options. Which one do you use? As my collection is ever so slowly getter larger I have become more concerned about viruses and cross contamination.

Right now I just keep new orchids in the one room without regular orchids and sanitize tools before and after use.