In the spring, I purchased a plant that had spider mites (I obviously did not know that at the time). The greenhouse I purchased it from used biological methods of controlling pests.- I think they use lady bugs or something. Anyways, they clearly didn't eat all of the bugs because I bought two plants on the same day-- one with MEALY BUGS, and then another that had SPIDER MITES. I isolated those two plants, but over the past month, the other orchids are showing sign of spider mite infestation ( I think I have the mealies under control). Last weekend, I sprayed three blooming phals, because I spotted mites on their petals, and now ALL the blooms are gone. This doesn't really bother me-- I just want all the plants to live, and the spider mites to LEAVE!!
Luckily, I have been catching the plants before the infestation gets bad. I have been spraying with Safer's insecticidal soap. Now I have decided to spray all the plants at once, once a week. Would this be a good method? I also have a Odontocidium a Miltoniopsis an Oncidium Twinkle AND a Sharry Baby in spike. They seem to be okay from their last spraying, but I do not want to hurt their spikes (if possible)
Also, I have fungus on LOTS of my plants too, even though I have never had an issue before this summer, and have been spraying weekly with safer's defender.
any help/ advice would be great
Thanks
Cam