Spider Mites???

[Monkmonk]

After I came home from a short vacation I found my Brassia Ver with what appears to be (I hope that I'm wrong) spider mites. Below are some pictures of the plant. The appear to have little holes on the underside of the leaves starting to appear. Any and all help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you again and any suggestions would be fantastic. There is no visible webbing.

[Shirley]

Hi Monkmonk. Looks as though it could be false spider mites. To check, take a dampened piece of cotton or kleenex and wipe the underside of the leaves. It will show reddish colouring if the mites are there. They tend to appear when the temperature is high and the humidity low. Eventually the leaves will become silvery-white on the underside. Whatever, it would be a good idea to give a good spray with one of the insecticides (like Safer's) and repeat about ten days later.

[Monkmonk]

Originally Posted by Shirley

Hi Monkmonk. Looks as though it could be false spider mites. To check, take a dampened piece of cotton or kleenex and wipe the underside of the leaves. It will show reddish colouring if the mites are there. They tend to appear when the temperature is high and the humidity low. Eventually the leaves will become silvery-white on the underside. Whatever, it would be a good idea to give a good spray with one of the insecticides (like Safer's) and repeat about ten days later.

Thank you very much. Can I buy that at a big chain store or do I have to get it specifically over the internet?

[Shirley]

I think that Safer's Insecticidal Soap is very widely known. Here we can buy it in most chain stores, nurseries, or even grocery stores that have a plant section such as Safeway. Another good Safer;s product is called Endall. Or you could wipe off the leaves front and back with isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol. Lots of choices!

[Monkmonk]

Originally Posted by Shirley

I think that Safer's Insecticidal Soap is very widely known. Here we can buy it in most chain stores, nurseries, or even grocery stores that have a plant section such as Safeway. Another good Safer;s product is called Endall. Or you could wipe off the leaves front and back with isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol. Lots of choices!

Thank you so much. I was able to locate some Safer's at a local nursery. I used it on the plant today and will again in about five days so we will see what happens Thank you again. I know it is just a plant but I think that we all want our plants to do well, that's why we're all here.

[canyon laurel]

Hello all, I found this site searching for info about an issue that recently came up...

I inherited my father's extensive cymbidium collection. I am lucky to live in northern california where they do pretty well outdoors year round.

I have been repotting them little by little, using bark. Hope that's a good medium! In removing one huge plant, I found that the roots (and part of the bulbs) were covered with a grayish/whitish powder...like mildew. Is that what this is? I broke apart the plant and repotted a couple of pieces that appeared fairly clean. I was then careful to not contaminate any other plants, by washing my hands thoroughly.

Question is, should I toss the whole thing? Any idea what this might be? I am somewhat of a technojerk, or I would try to take a photo and send it. Maybe another day. Thanks in advance! I think I am going to like it here! Canyon Laurel

[Shirley]

Hello, canyon laurel, A big welcome to the Orchid Board. I'm sure you'll find it very friendly and helpful. Just ask any orchid question and someone is bound to come to the rescue!

Sorry, I can't help with your question but I've never grown Cymbidiums as I just don't have the space for them. In our climate they have to be brought indoors for the winter. But I think your question should be posted either in the Cymbidium forum or the one for Pests and Diseases. Perhaps one of our Moderators will move it for you.

[canyon laurel]

Thanks a million Shirley! I haven't quite figured out how to get around in here yet. Any suggestions are gratefully accepted! Canyon Laurel