The Phal abuse ends here. - Page 51 - Orchid Board

orchid-recruit · #**501** 03-15-2013, 02:42 AM

White fuzzy bugs that look like silverfish? Mealybugs. Use a pesticide. I've tried natural methods like a mix of rubbing alcohol and it doesn't work.

King_of_orchid_growing:) · #**502** 03-15-2013, 04:33 PM

It might be mealies, but it might also be springtails.

As far as I know, springtails are harmless to plants.

Now that you know the possibilities of what this "bug" is, you could try to do a Google search to see what they really are.

lightrain21 · #**503** 03-15-2013, 07:06 PM

There was only the one bug and I can't find any more in the bark again. I didn't look close enough to be able to identify it now. :/

sealion · #**504** 03-16-2013, 07:24 AM

My first and only orchid is a phal. After about a year and a half with no growth and neglect, the plant is down to one root and two leaves. One of the leaves looks to be dying, so soon this orchid will have one small leaf and one small root. I have it suspended over some wet orchid medium and now and again I spray it with Orchid Myst.

Is there any hope for my plant? I have not seen any growth in so long.

orchid-recruit · #**505** 03-16-2013, 01:51 PM

First, if you have it suspended in moss, the moss will dry out quickly and that sort of medium requires more attention. Try switching your phal to a fine to medium bark and put it in a pot immediately. Clearly it is unhappy in its present state. You can find utube videos that give detailed instructions on how to do this properly. Also, make sure that it is getting proper lighting - preferably a window on the east side of your home. They really are very easy to grow and should only need to be watered about once a week, depending where you live.

lightrain21 · #**506** 03-16-2013, 01:54 PM

I have been calling all over my town trying to find orchid bark to repot. The only things I have been able to find is Fertilome and Black Gold mixes, that contain moss, not just bark. Has anyone had any luck with these? I don't really have time to order some thing from online.

Ordphien · #**507** 03-16-2013, 02:03 PM

My phals are in a mix of medium grade bark and moss, so as long as the particles aren't too small the mix should work just fine.

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orchid-recruit · #**508** 03-16-2013, 02:14 PM

Oh, I'm sorry - I didn't mean that you couldn't have any moss in the medium - that's a great way to retain moisture because it soaks up water much easier than bark, but it also dries out faster. I was just thinking that phals generally do well in some sort of bark, in a pot, and you don't have to check them everyday like an orchid on a slab. All of my phals are in pots, and every one of them is in bark except one.

Talila6 · #**509** 03-16-2013, 02:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lightrain21

I have been calling all over my town trying to find orchid bark to repot. The only things I have been able to find is Fertilome and Black Gold mixes, that contain moss, not just bark. Has anyone had any luck with these? I don't really have time to order some thing from online.

If there is an orchid club in your area you might find someone who can lend you some in a pinch.

butterfly_muse · #**510** 03-16-2013, 02:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lightrain21

I have been calling all over my town trying to find orchid bark to repot. The only things I have been able to find is Fertilome and Black Gold mixes, that contain moss, not just bark. Has anyone had any luck with these? I don't really have time to order some thing from online.

Do you have a Lowes or Home Depot? I got some Better-Gro Special Orchid Mix from Lowes in my town and it has charcoal and I believe some peat in it. My orchids are VERY happy in this mix.