A tale of ten Phals... - Orchid Board

PoeticFlames · #1 07-24-2012, 09:54 PM

So I'm minding my own business while walking through the Garden Dept in Lowe's when all of the sudden I hear the siren call of Orchids in distress...

*a mournful song ebbs and flows, rising briefly and fading again on the stagnant air*

Following the fading pleas, what meets my eyes? Once beautiful plants are now surrounded by lost blooms and marked for a dollar... Leaves drooping in shame of falling prey to the ignorant care of the associates... Roots raised up in a silent cry to those walking by...

I knew it was over then...Of all the Phals, I went home with 10.

(forgive my melodrama, writing is a bit of a pass-time!

)

Onto where you wonderful souls come in!

I have a few pictures and a few more questions! Any takers???

Pic #1 (I think)

Another leaf blemish... hopefully not caused by bugs? *fingers crossed*

Pic #2

Another type of leaf disturbance I'm unsure of. Surprisingly I haven't found any obvious signs of pests (from what I've been told to look for anyway??) but I'd like to know what this is as well. I saw a spider close to one of these a few days ago, looked to be a house spider as it was about the size of a pencil eraser... But that's the only side of outside life.

Pic #3

I don't know what this spot is either, a few of the other Phals have one or two on them, but no sign of worsening or anything else...

Pic #4

This is the same orchid as previously shown on Pic #2, I am hoping this leaf damage is simply from handling/shipping or maybe old sunburn? I wasn't able to find anything online that might enlighten me further, so time will tell I guess? The leaf isn't mushy, more leathery then anything else... It had root rot and is in a bag now to recoop.

dounoharm · #2 07-24-2012, 10:37 PM

it all looks like mechanical damage to me, no worries, and i love your writings, lol.....they look fine!

PoeticFlames · #3 07-24-2012, 10:59 PM

*wilts in relief* I was hoping to hear that! You know that whole spiel about "with knowledge comes responsibility" mumbo-jumbo? Well it sucks! It was easy to be in ignorance! If it was green, it was good! Learning about pests and disease on plants makes one a bit paranoid... o.O

FairyInTheFlowers · #4 07-24-2012, 11:15 PM

I agree that all of that appears to be mechanical damage. Your user name is very apt, as it suits your writing abilities! It is a breath of fresh air, and I appreciate it!

PoeticFlames · #5 07-24-2012, 11:19 PM

Thanks much, August! =D

tdeprat · #6 07-25-2012, 12:03 AM

I also just recently got some rescue phals at Lowe's but yours look much better than the ones I got. I didn't see them while at at Lowe's but my rescues had mealy bugs and much bigger sun burn. I now wish I had taken before pictures. Anyway, I have been in battle with the mealies for a few weeks now and think I might have finally beat them. Although every time I think I have I will find a huge and healthy one. Best of luck with your rescues!! Here is a picture of my dollar orchid. It's a lot better than it was when I got it.

PoeticFlames · #7 07-25-2012, 12:09 AM

I've surrounded my babies with cedar mulch... I love the smell and bugs don't! I've read about some growers using it to combat pests as well and I'd rather go the natural way if possible... I don't like chemicals around my fur babies...

I'm also experimenting with a very mild dilution of cedar and lavender (amongst others) essential oils mixed with water and misting that on the leaves once a week or so... Fleas hate it too, so it's a double win!

I have a few saaaaad looking phals, I didn't post pics of them all, these are only two of the ten. These pics are after the clean up as well, I wish I too had taken pics from the very start!

tdeprat · #8 07-25-2012, 12:20 AM

Good idea about the cedar! Cedar and lavender oil I imagine to smell all kinds of great! I might try that. I actually didn't use pesticides either. I have used soapy water a few times and mainly used purell for the ones I see on the plant.

I am keeping it at the office at work and this makes me get creative. I make sure to dry the purell off the leaves and not get any on the roots.

It's been surprisingly effective.

WhiteRabbit · #9 07-25-2012, 01:22 AM

I loved your story!

I have used some essential oils in an attempt to keep gnats at bay - I was using several - one being cedar - also citronella, eucalyptus. Seemed to help.

RosieC · #10 07-25-2012, 07:14 AM

I agree that looks like mechanical damage so would not worry. Your post made me smile, it's great to read the story