Regardless of Price

[DebsC]

Thanks everyone! I guess we're all looking for the one thing that will work. Thanks again!

[unhappykat]

If your insects aren't too bad you could use orthenex 3in1. Kills common stuff like mites, mealies and aphids and has a fungicide. I have used it once in a while when the insects weren't too bad. If you have a really bad infestation you might want to consider Orthene or concentrated Merit (Imidacloprid) paired with an exterior fungicide if you are really worried about fungal problems being persistent.

Heres orthenex

Orthenex Insect & Disease Concentrate Pint at Merrifield Garden Center

and here and here is a link to a page with Orthene and Merit in concentrated forms, there are also a few other insecticides and fungicides mentioned if you want to explore a little.

Insecticides

Hope this is helpful
Have Fun!

[yvonne marie]

Originally Posted by BikerDoc5968

That is a tough one, Deb! I'm sure if 50 people respond to this query, you're bound to get 50 different "Best In Show" nominations. My personal fav is Bayer Advanced 3-In-1 Insec, Disease & Mite Control Concentrate. I like it because it has Imidacloprid (Merit) which is great for Aphids, Spider Mites, Whitefly and the larva stage of fungus gnats. It is meant to be used as a topical spray but I spray and soak so the roots take it up into the plant. It also has a fungicide.

Hi, I know this is an old thread but I am very new to growing orchids. How do you 'soak' the roots with a spray treatment? I have two Lawless Romeo & Juliet and know next to nothing about them other than standard orchid care info sheets.

[unhappykat]

When you use systemic spray treatments they often are meant to be absorbed through the roots of the plant, unfortunately many orchids cant hold the treatments at their root zones for more than a few days so it becomes necessary to spray the foliage as well as water the treatment through the root system.
The plant will absorb some of the pesticide/fungicide through its foliage and root system which ensures that the entire plant gets the benefits. You simply water the solution through the plant thoroughly and spray the leaves until they drip and allow it to dry out. It may take more than one treatment to protect your orchids fully but one is usually good.

[littlefrog]

Personally I think that a systemic (like imidocloprid or orthene) plus a IGR (insect growth regulator) is the way to go. I use 'Distance' as my IGR, it has some systemic activity. Enstar II would work.

Really got the boisduval scale under control, and I haven't seen mealy bugs in a long time (except on new plants).