Help!!! Cymbidum Bugs - Orchid Board

jwpotter · #1 01-12-2016, 02:15 PM

For the first time, after having cymbidums for several years, I discovered bugs on some buds. So far they seem to be isolated to this one section. What is the best way to get rid of them. I am terrified they will infect all of my plants, about 40. See the attached picture.

I hope I have attached the picture. It is a bit confusing as.. to how to do it. If not, the bugs are very small black bugs, but in the picture, which magnifies them, you can see their legs.

I will be grateful for any help

bil · #2 01-12-2016, 02:35 PM

Bit blurred to tell. Are they aphids?

jwpotter · #3 01-12-2016, 04:11 PM

Yes, I think they are aphids. I looked elsewhere and found an article that said one effective way was to wash them off with a jet of water. I did this, and they seem to be gone. But, is there a better way to be sure they are taken care of?

Bud · #4 01-12-2016, 04:43 PM

In a spray bottle:
15 drops liquid dish soap
1/2 teaspoon liquid cinnamon extract (from the spice aisle of the supermarket)
2 cups tepid water

shake well until its sudsy

spray the whole plant focusing on the areas where there are infestation.

make some more of the formula and soak the pot in a basin for 5 min to get rid of eggs in the pot mix....do it every week until you get rid of the bugs.

you can alternate the soap mix with alcohol ....the cinnamon is an antiseptic and can also get rid of fungi or bacterial infestation that the bugs must be bringing with them....

spraying once or twice wont cut it....make sure you do this until you see that there are no bugs anymore....it might come back after several months ....just keep on spraying until you feel that they have no more eggs to hatch

---------- Post added at 03:43 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:39 PM ----------

this is a home remedy that is safe for mammals....but if you feel that it is too mild and you want to immediately get rid of the bugs fast and furious=by all means buy the big guns chemicals and spray away....

jwpotter · #5 01-12-2016, 05:27 PM

HI Bud,

Thanks much!!! Sounds a lot better then just spraying them with water.

bil · #6 01-12-2016, 07:07 PM

I have to say, I have no problem with a more natural remedy for aphids, but keep a close eye on your plants, and if they return, hit them with chemical megadeath.

WhiteRabbit · #7 01-12-2016, 09:54 PM

I'd avoid the soap on buds - just use rubbing alcohol. This won't prevent more of the showing up, tho, so keep your eyes on it.