Does anyone know what this is? - Orchid Board

Joansorchid · #1 01-08-2009, 11:36 AM

Hi
I recently brought a den which had some brown patches on the leaves and looked like something was eating it, as it also had holes in the leaves. I could not see anything on there for a couple of weeks but today on looking I saw what I thought was a cobweb! When I removed it there was a thin long caterpillar type creature on it. It was munching on the tip of one of the canes. Sorry I have not got a photo as I killed it before thinking about it. I dont think you would have wanted to see the macabre remains.

Hugs Joan

MuscleGirl'sHobby · #2 01-08-2009, 12:56 PM

More than likely, all the damage is due to Mr/Ms Caterpillar. However, just to be safe I'd treat the whole plant for pests and bacertia/fungus. There could be eggs somewhere waiting to hatch, and the damage to the plant could have allowed bacteria to get in. Hard to say without a picture of the plant. Perhaps someone with a bit more expertise will chime in too.

Joansorchid · #3 01-08-2009, 01:07 PM

Hi Nichole
Thank you what would you suggest treating the plant with.
Joan

MuscleGirl'sHobby · #4 01-08-2009, 01:21 PM

I use safer's insecticital soap. Make sure to get the underside of the leaves. It's hard to do by spraying (and can get messy too!) so I soak a cotton ball with it and thoroughly wipe the undersides of leaves. They also have a 3-in-1 spray which has sulfer in it as the anti-fungal.

Royal · #5 01-08-2009, 05:06 PM

Joan, I've had a similar problem. Was it a tiny little caterpillar, almost green or clear with a little black head? I've had these little buggers do some catastrophic damage to developing spikes and buds. I made a plea here and got the right answer - fugus gnat larvae. Repot as soon as you can if the medium is old. Something is staying too wet if there are fungus gnats around. I'd recommend a good insecticide for roses or tomatoes, just follow the label directions. While you're on that isle pick up a few fly strips - trap the adults, no more larvae.

Joansorchid · #6 01-08-2009, 05:33 PM

Thanks Royal
That description fits him just right. It must have been in the plant when I brought it as a few leaves looked chewed. It was in bud and some have blossomed but others have been eaten or died. I will go get the treatment tomorrow. When I brought the Den the seller said it needed repotting and I was asking in live chat yesterday. The pot is absolutely crammed full of canes. There must be 30 or 40+ canes in a 6 inch pot. One cane looks to be growing a keiki as there are roots near the top. Would you suggest perhaps growing this in those hydroponic clay balls.
Many, many thanks Joan

Royal · #7 01-08-2009, 05:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joansorchid

Would you suggest perhaps growing this in those hydroponic clay balls.

Growers choice. Semi-hydro should work fine in you have active root growth. I have a few in s/h, but most are in a bark mix with some CHC added. Just whatever works best for you.

Joansorchid · #8 01-08-2009, 05:59 PM

Royal
Thanks again. I have just googled this little blighter and he really can be a pain. Although this den is in bloom I am going to split and repot it. So that I can give it a lot of care. Hopefully I will be able to get rid of them without infecting my other chids. Unfortunately I had put the den with them last week.
Joan