Thrips in my Vandas - Orchid Board

Orquidia · #1 08-10-2008, 07:44 AM

Hello, I'm a new member, will like to learn from the experts.
I have thrips in my vandas, I don't like to use chemical, any good advise, I justed spray them with dishwashed soap.
Another point I live in South Florida, very hot and humidy.
Thanks

Swamper · #2 08-10-2008, 10:41 AM

I have vandas too and thrips love them as much as I do. They will especially attack new spikes and blooms warping them to crap. But if you don't wanna use chemicals? I don't know what else to recommend. If you live in Miami you might ask the peeps at OFE they are verry knowledgeable and may be able to suggest an alternative. Good Luck.

Swamper · #3 08-10-2008, 10:57 AM

thrip spray, Thrip Spray, THRIP SPRAY, thrip treatment, Thrip Treatment, THRIP TREATMENT, thrips, Thrips, THRIPS, thrip attack, Thrip Attack, THRIP ATTACK, thrip bite, Thrip Bite, THRIP BITE, thrip spray, Thrip Spray, THRIP SPRAY, thrips, Thrips, THR

here's some info that may interest you

vmax3000 · #4 08-10-2008, 02:57 PM

I would try a vegetable or paraffin oil spray (or make your own!) I have had good success with a product called Sun Oil. It's made for ornamentals. To make your own, I recall a teaspoon of vegetable oil in a garden sprayer (32 oz, not the big big ones), then add water and add a drop of dishwashing liquid (surfactant that will allow the oil to "mix" with the water to some degree so that it can be distributed onto your plants). Below is a Faq site from one of my favorite garden shows. It's for gladiolas, but most of the products can be used around orchids. Hope some of this helps! I can relate and I disdain any bug that takes advantage of my collection (as if......)!

<b>Thrips—The Almost Invisible Garden Foe</b>

Orquidia · #5 08-11-2008, 07:08 AM

Thanks for the info, so far I did spray with Ivory dishwashed liquid about 4 tablespoon per gallon. I will repeat the application in 5 days, so far the vandas look fine.

Orquidia · #6 08-11-2008, 07:13 AM

Thanks Swamper, I never have these big infestation, I'm growing orchids for 10 years, I don't know if the dry weather here in West Palm Beach we don't get to much rain, even if I water my vandas daily. Thanks

Swamper · #7 08-11-2008, 08:52 AM

Your welcome. 10 years? cool. Do you have any pics you can share?