A warning on use of canola oil

[Ross]

I used a product from Schultz that is completely safe for orchids called "Garden Safe Houseplant and Garden Insect Spray" that contains .01% pyrethrins and 1% Canola Oil. Normally no problem. But BE AWARE! If sprayed directly on flower buds, they will probably distort and the rest of the spike may as well. It won't hurt the longevity of the orchid and will definitely do the job you want (kill the insects) but don't get it on the spikes if you care about them. I did this to one of my Haraella mounts and the new buds come out like b-b's (like 1/16th inch or so) and don't develop correctly. I've since cut off all the spikes and will let it go through it's growth thingy. Just a warning, because I have recommended this chemical in the past (and still do with this caviate).