Shrunken bulbs with black spots on cymbidiums

[Roberta]

Now, it's time to just let them be... keep gently watered, good light, and hope for new growth in the spring. But no more fussing with them... they will do what they will do. Patience...

[drmab]

Thank you! 😇🤞🏼🙏🏼

[drmab]

Good evening, Roberta
5 months after your excellent advice about my cymbidiums shipped from San Francisco, I just want to update you. It looks like out of the original 3 plants (I divided two into two each getting a total of 5) it looks like I will be able to salvage one, thanks to all your advice!!

Just to refresh your memory, I had cut all the roots out (were shrunken). and you told me to stick them back in the media! I think the one has developed roots now, but am afraid to really confirm by pulling it out. The leaves look health and the bulbs are firm.

The rest unfortunately developed soft mushy bulbs which I had to discard.

Again, thank you for all your help!

P.S. I went to your website, and wow, you have lots of orchids, and different varieties! Do you sell these commercially?

Thanks again, Marietta

[Roberta]

I am glad that you have a survivor. If the pseudobulbs and leaves look good, you have roots... you're right, don't disturb it.

I don't sell orchids, just buy them I am thoroughly addicted... The possible variety is endless. But the challenge of seeing what I can grow - especially outside - is pure fun.

[drmab]

Is orthene no longer available for systemic use on orchids? I have tried an online search but only come up with acephate 97 or orthene for fire ant mounds. Would the concentration be the same for orchid use?

I want a systemic insecticide for my orchids, and know malathion is contact and not systemic.

what substitute can I use?

Thank you for your advice.

[Roberta]

I'm not sure it ever was listed specifically for orchids...Do you recall what concentration you used in the past? Also, what pests are you using it for? One issue with some of the older pesticides is that they no longer work for some pests.

Bayer Advanced 3-in-1 has been replaced by BioAdvanced 3-in-1, since imidacloprid has been phased out (bad for bees) I don't know whether the new formulation works as well. But generally, prophylactic use of pesticides is a great formula for developing resistance in pests (there's always a few that survive, enough of them to breed and the pesticide no longer does the job)... in other words, don't! Use just as needed and surgically (targeted only where needed) so that whatever you use, will continue to work.

[drmab]

It is listed in the St Augustine orchid website as being systemic for use in some orchids, don’t remember what I sects or orchids. It was so long ago that I used the liquid (I think). That I don’t remember.

Thanks anyway.

[drmab]

would appreciate advice on growing orchids - dendrobiums, cattleyas and phals. in leca?

thanks!