Laelia Anceps in South Florida?

[tucker85]

I do spray for thrips. In Feb. I spray with Oraganocide oil and a week later I spray with insecticide soap. I repeat this again in Mar.. Occasionally I will use a stonger insecticide if I think there's a problem. I get Hydroton at Green Barn in Delray, Broward Ochid Supply in Hollywood or on line at Repotme.com. It's available at any of the orchid shows here in So. Fl.

[orchidsamore]

Laelia annceps wants to grow very dry - more so than Cattleya. Yellowing buds can come from excess water.

The comments from those growing them well showed they were growing in conditions that helped the plant to dry fast. Hydrothon and high light will dry the plant faster. High light is recommended and if you do not like hydrothon then mix about half your potting medium with charcoal. Charcoal does not hold water like bark and the mix is much drier.

Thrips would make the buds go black and dried looking. It is a problem throughout March and April. I am fighting it now.

The oil and soap treatment are safe and a decent preventative but will not cure an infestation if it happens.

Oil and Soap are contact killers. They will wipe out the thrips they contact. However, thrips hatch about every 3 days so if you have an infestation you need to treat every three days for a week or two.