Thrips on Phal

[AnxiousOrchid]

Hi Everyone

I was hoping that you all may be able to help me.

Basically I have noticed these markings on my Phal orchid and have been burying my head in the sand about what is causing the markings. Today however I found a long silver bug on a withered (due to age I believe) flower. I would have take a picture of it but in my panic I squished it

I have done some research and believe that it is most likely thrips. I was wondering if you all could give me some confirmation and some advice on dealing with it. I am a bit worried that due to being in the UK that I might find it difficult to get treatments more effective that perhaps the US.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance

P.s. Sorry the pics are sideways I’m not sure how to fix it

[Roberta]

First, Welcome!
Any chance it was a mealybug? They are white and sort of fuzzy... and LOVE Phal flowers. If so, you can short-term kill them with isopropyl alcohol 70% ... either on a cotton swab, or applied with a spray botle (it doesn't harm the flowers to do that and lets you get into the crevices) In the US, that is generic rubbing alcohol. It dissolves the waxy coat that makes them look fuzzy. Then the next treatment, which kills lots of kinds of bugs is soapy water. These, however, are surface treatments - kill what they touch but don't affect eggs or larvae so you have to keep at it. Other members of the board can give you information about what else you might use, that is available to you.

[AnxiousOrchid]

Hi Roberta!

Thank you for the welcome and for replying!
I’m pretty sure it’s not mealy bugs. I haven’t really seen any fuzzy white stuff but I will keep an eye out just in case!

[Clawhammer]

I do not see thrip damage. Thrip damage will appear as silvery / translucent legions on the flowers start from the edge of petals/sepals inwards.

[Fuerte Rav]

When I lived in the UK I used Bug Clear Ultra on my Phals when needed - it seemed to work quite well. Not sure if it still available. I wouldn't spray indoors in the house, perhaps in a garage or shed at this time of year, and make sure the plant dries well before it gets cold, especially in the crown. A good dose in the media is helpful as well. You will probably need to repeat the treatment 3 or 4 times, a week apart, for total (hopefully!) control.
Good luck!

[AnxiousOrchid]

Originally Posted by Clawhammer

I do not see thrip damage. Thrip damage will appear as silvery / translucent legions on the flowers start from the edge of petals/sepals inwards.

Huh ok it makes sense really. Since it’s been blooming the flowers seem fine when they come out. I suppose if there were thrips present there would be damage to them? I guess I just panicked a little seeing the bug. I’m struggling to find anything else that could be causing the damage on the flowers.

Originally Posted by Fuerte Rav

When I lived in the UK I used Bug Clear Ultra on my Phals when needed - it seemed to work quite well. Not sure if it still available. I wouldn't spray indoors in the house, perhaps in a garage or shed at this time of year, and make sure the plant dries well before it gets cold, especially in the crown. A good dose in the media is helpful as well. You will probably need to repeat the treatment 3 or 4 times, a week apart, for total (hopefully!) control.
Good luck!

That’s good to know. Bug clear ultra is still very much available over here . It’s still quite cold where I am and don’t really have any sheltered space outside.

Hopefully it will warm up soon so I can give it a few just in case doses!

Thank you both for your advice