Hello All,
I have a couple questions that I haven't seen addressed in the postings. It may be somewhere, but haven't found it as yet.
1) I have some mini flying insects around all my orchids. They appear to resemble fruit flies only smaller. I saw them in an orchid greenhouse once also. What are these and are they harmful? How do I get rid of them?
2) Do most people who order orchids or buy them at local stores spray them for insects with such things as "physan20" at arrival? Or do you isolate the orchid and use the "wait and see" approach? If yes to spraying, doesn't using chemicals damage or weaken the young plant?
3) I have a Mtssa. Royal Robe 'Jerry's Pick' that I purchased a year ago at a Home Depot. It has never bloomed and when I get nice new growth, it crinkles up like an accordian. I water whenever it feels dry down in the pot (it's in a mix of coconut husk, perlite, charcoal, and pellets....not sure of the name, but it's for orchids).
I mist faithfully 2 times a day! I fertilize once a week with commercial orchid food. The roots and leaves look healthy, but crinkles up. No sign of pests or rot.
4) I have a RFdra Jerry Pacific Empire I bought a year ago in bloom. I can't find much info about the care of it. It looks beautiful, but I don't see any signs of new spikes. I mist that daily, water weekly (there-abouts), and fertilize after watering (I also keep it in a drywell set-up). Anyone know about care for this particular orchid and why it might not be blooming?
Thanks so much for any help. kiki-do