Cattleya schilleriana Rchb.f. - Orchid Board

Rosim_in_BR · #1 10-09-2008, 08:09 AM

Almost lost this one. I was unaware it was severely attacked by root mealy bugs. At the end of the last year I suddenly noticed the plant shriveling and decided to unpot it to check the roots. Right in time, because the plant would most likely have died if I hadn't done. I treated and repotted it in moss. The new pseudo bulb came healthy, but shorter than the previous (understandable!), and I wasn't expecting any flowers, but then... surprise!

Cattleya schilleriana Rchb.f. on Flickr - Photo Sharing!

Lagoon · #2 10-09-2008, 08:16 AM

Fantastic safe Mauro! What a loss it would have been

Well worth the efforts I might add - truly a stunning orchid for sure

Royal · #3 10-09-2008, 10:01 AM

Nice save! This is one of my favorites.

tuvoc · #4 10-09-2008, 10:19 AM

Way to go, Mauro. I like that one a lot.

Kim

isurus79 · #5 10-09-2008, 02:49 PM

Very nice looking flower Mauro. Do you give this species as much light as your amethystoglossas and aclandiaes?

quiltergal · #6 10-09-2008, 03:57 PM

I think this is one of my favorite Catt species. Very beautiful Mauro, and good save!

Rosim_in_BR · #7 10-09-2008, 05:15 PM

Thanks! You're all nice guys!

Quote:

Originally Posted by isurus79

Very nice looking flower Mauro. Do you give this species as much light as your amethystoglossas and aclandiaes?

Yes, the same level!

Tindomul · #8 10-09-2008, 11:23 PM

Hey Mauro, well worth the save. How did you save it exactly? I find it impossible to get rid of mealy bugs.

Don Perusse · #9 10-10-2008, 04:10 PM

The plant itself looks a little rough but beautiful flower. Nice save! (Only comes from years of experience and knowing what and when to do)

Rosim_in_BR · #10 10-10-2008, 11:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tindomul

Hey Mauro, well worth the save. How did you save it exactly? I find it impossible to get rid of mealy bugs.

I know what you mean, Tindo. If the plant can't be unpotted for some reason, I agree it is really difficult to get rid of mealy bugs without the use of systemic insecticides. In my case, I carefully brushed the entire plant, especially the roots, using soft teeth brush and coconut soap. After the cleaning, I sprayed it with one of those common domestic insecticides (a pyrethroid, using water as solvent). I let it dry, hanging in a shady position, and repeated the process two days later.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Don Perusse

The plant itself looks a little rough but beautiful flower. Nice save! (Only comes from years of experience and knowing what and when to do)

Thanks, Don!