is this den sick? - Orchid Board

VickiC · #1 08-31-2008, 11:57 AM

Hi,
I have 3 dens sitting on a table in front of an east window, and all 3 have seemed to be very healthy, but I just noticed this morn. that one of them has dark, spotted areas on one of the canes and a yellow leaf. I had noticed several days ago that there were small dark spots on another leaf, but now there are two leaves with the spots. When I was examinating the den closer this morn., I found a bug crawling on the table, and wondered if there's a chance that the bug might be the reason for the discoloring. I've seen very similar bugs like this over the years, but I never knew what they were named. My husband said they are "stink bugs". I couldn't take a picture of him because I smushed him bigtime dead in a paper towel (yuk! lol), so I took a pic. of one off the net that looks like him, but maybe a slight bit darker. Can you tell me please if there is a connection, and if so, what do I do? Unpot the plant and soak in Physan 20? If not a bug problem, then what are your thoughts on what the problem is (??) Pictures are attached.
Thanks in advance,
Vicki

quiltergal · #2 08-31-2008, 01:02 PM

Vicki, it looks more like a fungus than a bug problem. Have you been misting this plant?

VickiC · #3 08-31-2008, 01:32 PM

No, I haven't been misting the 3 dens inside. Should I have been or not? Since you think it is a fungus problem, I'll treat it today.....how would you treat it? Also, just for future reference, is this particular bug an enemy to orchids? Let me know, if you don't mind.
Thanks in advance,
Vicki

Quote:

Originally Posted by quiltergal

Vicki, it looks more like a fungus than a bug problem. Have you been misting this plant?

Mothra79 · #4 08-31-2008, 05:30 PM

I'm looking forward to seeing this question answered. I have the exact same problem with one of my dends. It hasn't seemed to have stopped it from putting out a new spike, though.

Junebug · #5 08-31-2008, 06:29 PM

I have quite a few dends. in my collection. Every now and then they do the same thing, but has been limited to the older mature canes. It might be the natural aging process of a mature cane. I've never treated the spots with anything and it's never spread. It is a bit unsightly though.

quiltergal · #6 08-31-2008, 06:54 PM

It's a Hemitera, or more the more commonly known Shield bug. They do have piercing mouthparts and do suck juces out of plants, so I'd have to say you probably don't want them munching on your orchids.

Hand misting doesn't do much except invite rot and fungus IMO. On some plants like Onc.s the leaves develop little black spots like your Den has on their leaves from misting. If the plant looks heathy otherwise (which I think it does) I wouldn't worry about it too much. It looks like you have plenty of new growth so the plant must be happy.

Lagoon · #7 08-31-2008, 09:36 PM

I would break out the dish soap and babies toothbrush, soak and scub down. Increasing the air circulation would help aswell.

Spray - 1QT of water to 1 teaspoon of dish soap, soak down and use the tooth brush as a scubber, then fan until dry.

VickiC · #8 09-03-2008, 11:42 PM

Hi,
Thanks for all of your input. I appreciate your advice. With your help, I think I have all the bases covered necessary to try to get my den back on it's feet (very hopefully). To be on the safe side, though.....I'm still on patrol.....keeping my eye on it like a hawk.

Vicki

VickiC · #9 09-26-2008, 11:21 AM

Hi everyone,
First of all, I'm not sure I'm doing this update correctly, so if not, I'm sorry. I hope someone will let me know if I am making a mistake.

I've attached more pics of my den today.

I'm concerned now about fungus (or whatever the problem was then) spreading on the plant.

After my initial post and advice I rec'd, I unpotted my den and soaked it 10 mins. in Physan 20, then repotted it in S/H. I'm beginning to be afraid that the problem I had with it initially had progressed more than I thought before I treated it because it seems to be going downhill, rather than improve. More leaves are getting little black spots on them and there are more yellow ones. In general, it just doesn't look well.

If someone has more advice as to what I can do to stop the problem in it's tracks, I would appreciate it if you will let me know. Should I soak it again, or what? On the other hand, if you think it's on it's way to orchid heaven.....and I can't stop it, is there any way I can salvage the 2 new canes it had started to grow before it got sick? I'm so new to orchids.....I have no idea if this is a possibility. The new canes look fine and healthy, as far as I can see.

Again, I will welcome any advice.....
Thanks in advance,
Vicki

Quote:

Originally Posted by VickiC

Hi,
I have 3 dens sitting on a table in front of an east window, and all 3 have seemed to be very healthy, but I just noticed this morn. that one of them has dark, spotted areas on one of the canes and a yellow leaf. I had noticed several days ago that there were small dark spots on another leaf, but now there are two leaves with the spots. When I was examinating the den closer this morn., I found a bug crawling on the table, and wondered if there's a chance that the bug might be the reason for the discoloring. I've seen very similar bugs like this over the years, but I never knew what they were named. My husband said they are "stink bugs". I couldn't take a picture of him because I smushed him bigtime dead in a paper towel (yuk! lol), so I took a pic. of one off the net that looks like him, but maybe a slight bit darker. Can you tell me please if there is a connection, and if so, what do I do? Unpot the plant and soak in Physan 20? If not a bug problem, then what are your thoughts on what the problem is (??) Pictures are attached.
Thanks in advance,
Vicki

Royal · #10 09-26-2008, 11:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by quiltergal

It's a Hemitera

Yup. I knew it was Hemiptera or Hemoptera but I never could remember which was which.

They do have piercing/sucking mouth parts so I guess it's possible for them to damage your orchids. But they're not really known for being a big problem plant pest.