What's eating this?

[William]

This is a Den. Burana Stripe that seems to be chewed up. This condition is only two days old. Any idea what this may be? Any clue about what I may try? As always, I appreciate any ideas given.

[bkim]

Most likely snails / slugs. Check all plant surfaces and completely immerse the pot into water to see what crawls out.

[kiki-do]

That's what came to my mind also. Another thought was that it might be a cat???? Cats love to chew on leaves. Don't know, but worth a mention.

[William]

Many thanks guys. I just followed the immersing in water treatment and out came the nastiest looking slug or green worm you ever saw. It has since departed to slug heaven and perhaps my plant is safe. I'll keep watching out for it. Is there anything I can give my plants to prevent this or is it best to keep a watchful eye? Once again, thanks.

[susiep]

William, I live in Weston (not to far from you) and we have many snails. They usually eat the dens and phals and can devour a plant almost over night. I have tried the snail/slug pellets from Home Depot but those pellets tend to get covered with mold when wet. Recently I tried Sluggo and these pellets don't grow mold. No more snail problems! It is a great product. I get it from Broward Orchid Supply.

[Ray]

If it's slugs or snails, you will typically see silvery remnants of their slime along the perimeter of the damage. Caterpillars and stuff like grasshoppers don't leave that.

[5491jacobg]

I always have problems with snails too!

[katierkincaid]

I too have had problem with one snail and a cat eatting at my plants. Even my dog likes to toss them around. I wonder if hanging them from the ceiling will work? Haha

[Junebug]

Hi William, I've seen similar damage on some of my Dend. and Onc. leaves that I have housed on the back porch. I've never seen a snail as some of the other OB members have suggested, but I do get an occassional Cutter Bee or Carpenter Bee inside the screened area. I've always suspected he is the culprit. It's sort of a one time damage event and then it doesn't happen again for months.