Mealybugs on my Phal - Help!

[leen]

I just noticed yesterday there are bugs on my phal. i googled up the images and realized they are mealy bugs. there hasn't been a lot so far, only came across maybe 2 or 3 just sitting on the petals of the blooms. right now there is a bud about to be opened and i can see a dot inside the petals so i know there are more.

where do these bugs come from? do they usually just reside on the leaves and petals or is it possible they're inside the spike too? because a few weeks ago, i started to notice dents in the spikes everyday (but didn't see any bugs at that point). i didn't know what it was and the flowers seemed to be blooming so i paid no attention. now i'm wondering if these dents are caused by the mealy bugs?

also, i read on an article that i can use 70% isopropyl alcohol as home remedy to get rid of the mealybugs. is this method effective or should i invest in real pesticide? if i use the isopropyl alcohol, do i dilute it with water first or just wipe the leaves with the alcohol itself? do i wipe the spikes and petals/buds too? I shouldn't touch the roots should I?

Any help would be appreciated! thanks so much!!

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

The rubbing alcohol works fine. That's what I use. It's cheaper and safer than the pesticide.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

No dilution of alcohol necessary. Use a cotton swab and rub it onto the infected area. The mealies die within seconds (they turn purpley-brown). Your plants will be unaffected by this treatment. Wipe the insects away when done.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Oh, and the mealies are often brought in by ants.

[leen]

Thanks King of Orchid Growing! Okay I will wipe them directly on the bugs. but how do i ensure that I get rid of the eggs (if any) too? Should I spray the plant every few days with alcohol as precaution?

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Wipe any part of the plant with the alcohol you think might carry the eggs (usually not too far off from where the parents are) and wait. If you see more pop up within a month repeat procedure until they're no longer a problem. I had that issue too, as long as I kept on top of it, nothing bad ever occurred.

Check the other plants surrounding the infected one to see if they're infected too. Treat them the same way.

I would concentrate more on growing a strong plant. They seem to like weakened ones the best.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Try not to overdo it with the alcohol. I don't know what that does to a plant, but I had rubbing alcohol applied to me almost everyday for about a month while I was shooting a film to remove make-up and it was very irritating.

[leen]

Thanks! you've been very helpful! i will do that and see how it works out.

Yes alcohol can be very irritating, and it dries out the skin so i will keep that i mind with my phal.

[cabbo]

Leen, I've had the same problem with the mealies. The alcohol seemed to take care of them. A week or so later I found some on another plant so keep a sharp eye. I would like to know where they come from too! Hopefully somebody will know.

[(..._...)]

I had mealies last summer, and they were quite easy to get rid of. Just make sure your plants get sprayed entirely.. you need to get the into all the little hiding spots!

For one thing, be happy you dont have spider mites!
Good luck!

Cam