Bringing in the "Chids" from outside - Orchid Board

kiki-do · #1 08-30-2009, 11:01 AM

Last year I kept several phals on my porch for the summer. Then when it's time to come in for the winter, I keep these guys well away from my other orchids that don't summer outdoors. I spent endless hours (months) trying to debug these guys. I swore I wouldn't put them outdoors ever again, but I did!

I enjoy sitting on my porch and having them around me. Well, now that I have them back indoors, they are buggy again. What do you all do about getting them clean without causing harm to the plant? There has to be an easier way! It's so frustrating!

trdyl · #2 08-30-2009, 11:16 AM

Kiki,

When I bring mine in for the winter, I dip them in Diazinon. Now that is no longer available try Triazinon. I have not tried it yet but will when I run out of the other stuff. Be careful with phals, they do burn easy. I have had no chemical burns if I water them the day before I dip.

Ross · #3 08-30-2009, 11:45 AM

Try Bayer Tree and Fruit (?) spray. It has Merit which is systemic. Once a week for 3 weeks. Took care of my aphids and scale.

billc · #4 08-30-2009, 01:54 PM

I give mine a good spray and dunk in Neem solution 2 times before bringing them inside.

Bill

kiki-do · #5 08-30-2009, 03:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trdyl

Kiki,

When I bring mine in for the winter, I dip them in Diazinon. Now that is no longer available try Triazinon. I have not tried it yet but will when I run out of the other stuff. Be careful with phals, they do burn easy. I have had no chemical burns if I water them the day before I dip.

Thanks for the info, but what do you dip? Roots? Roots and leaves? Not blooms, right? I have most of mine still in bloom. The bugs are mostly in the blooms.

kiki-do · #6 08-30-2009, 03:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by billc

I give mine a good spray and dunk in Neem solution 2 times before bringing them inside.

Bill

Thanks, Bill, but I sprayed mine with Bayer 3 in 1 rose and houseplant (think that's the name) last year and it seems to retard their growth afterward for months. However, didn't really do the trick until I repotted each one plus sprayed twice....and then watch and double watch. Still, it seems to slow their growth down afterward. Have you noticed that with yours? I just want to do the most effective with the least hurt to the plant. Glad to hear this imput.

kiki-do · #7 08-30-2009, 03:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ross

Try Bayer Tree and Fruit (?) spray. It has Merit which is systemic. Once a week for 3 weeks. Took care of my aphids and scale.

Good to know, Ross, but did it do any harm to the normal growth of your plants? Did you notice that at all?

trdyl · #8 08-30-2009, 03:28 PM

As far as dipping goes, I do the whole thing, pot and plant. I suppose, you could spray the critters off the spikes with flowers and buds with plain water.

billc · #9 08-30-2009, 04:03 PM

Kiki, I've never noticed any slowing down of growth other than the normal slowness due to the seasons changing.(Or what I've always attributed to the seasons changing) I don't normally spray any blooms or buds, if there are critters on them I attack them with my trusty Q-tip and alcohol

trdyl has it right. You have to get the media soaked also. You don't want any little critters hatching once they're inside. If you're going to spray, may sure to spray the mix also.

Bill

Ross · #10 08-30-2009, 05:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kiki-do

Good to know, Ross, but did it do any harm to the normal growth of your plants? Did you notice that at all?

Not a sign of any problem. That was a couple months ago. The oils, like Neem, make the blossoms drop and spikes drop. The 3 in 1 will do that. Just pour the mixed Merit through the pot (keep it off the vegetation).