White oil on cymbs

[dbloom]

Can I safely use white oil on my cymbidium which has a number of (unrecognised by me) pests - some spider web like evidence and a few "web nests"

[Wjs2nd]

I've never heard of white oil. Horticulture oil, neem oil, worm tea, and usually just soapy water will work.

[dbloom]

G'day Wjs2nd,
Thanks for your reply. I checked the spry can and it says Active Ingredient - "Petroleum Oil" - In Australia we use it on Roses, Citrus and most plants for pest control. Advice from our Orchid Society guru indicate it will be OK. Thanks for taking the time to reply - I'll remember the soapy water advice too.
Kind regards Dudley

[camille1585]

I think white oil is what is known as mineral oil elsewhere. If you've been told that it should work, why not? Just be careful about leaving the plants out in the sun afterwards, the oil increases the chances of sunburn.

[dbloom]

Thanks Camille,
It's all these experiential comments which make good advice.
Kind Regards Dudley (dbloom)

[Andrew]

If you've already got it in your shed, white oil is fine so long as you follow the usual precautions, ie don't apply it on warm days. If you're going to go out and buy it from the local nursery, get pest oil instead as it tends to cause less problems in warm weather than traditional white oil and the price difference is negligible.

[dbloom]

G'day Andrew,
Thanks for that advice. I do have some in the shed and yesterday carefully used it, put the pots in the shade (I can't have a shade house - yard too small), the weather is fine but warm so I think the orchids will be fine. Again thanks for your interest.
Kind regards Dudley (dbloom)

[Bud]

If you are worried about bugs, why use oil? why not use cinnamon extract and dish soap instead? Oil can attract fungus and its another problem to solve.

10 drops dish soap
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon extract
2 cups tepid water

spray the plant and its media to kill any eggs in the pot

[Andrew]

Originally Posted by dbloom

G'day Andrew,
Thanks for that advice. I do have some in the shed and yesterday carefully used it, put the pots in the shade (I can't have a shade house - yard too small), the weather is fine but warm so I think the orchids will be fine. Again thanks for your interest.
Kind regards Dudley (dbloom)

Dudley,
Given your location, I doubt it's going to get warm enough at this time of year for white oil to cause you any real problems. It's moreso when the heat kicks in towards the end of spring onwards that you need to be more strategic about which days you spray.

[Andrew]

Originally Posted by Bud

Oil can attract fungus and its another problem to solve.

Horticultural oils are used pretty extensively for controlling pests on a variety of plants. I haven't heard of people complaining about them causing fungal problems.