Sheaths. I keep harping.....

[james mickelso]

Hi again. I keep harping at all of you newbees to peel those old sheaths off the pbulbs when they become dry. They are a great place for the bad guys to hide and do so much damage to your plants when you work so hard on giving them good culture. Here is why I harp on you all. This is a cymbidium at my dad had out under some trees thinking that was a good place for them. Well what was a nice healthy flowering plant 2 years ago when I gave it to him is now nearly dead. But it has a spike so I thought I'd go ahead and rescue it. First thing I do is pull off the old sheaths. Walla..er..voila'. Lookee what was hiding in there just living the high life. Scale. I pulled it all apart, and repotted it. Sprayed with Safer insecticidal Soap. Usually I use Bayer 3-1 or Malathion. But Safer is good. So I will continue to harp away at you all. Goes for Catts too.

[weederwoman]

Sometimes I get a sheath that won't just peel off. Should I rub on it with something like a Dobie pad, or should it loosen up on its own given time?

Laurel

[james mickelso]

When they dry out most will come off easily. I use tweezers and start at the bottom which should be the easiest and oldest. I peel half of it off at a time.