Holes/skeletonized orchid leaves HELP! - Orchid Board

Greenthumb Mern · #1 11-20-2008, 01:46 PM

I have three orchids in my tiny beginner collection, a Phal, a Dendrobium hybrid, and something that I rescued from Walmart a few years ago that might also be a sort of Dendrobium, I don't know.
All three have something invisible (I haven't seen it yet) eating the leaves when my back is turned. It's still happening on the new growth even though I've brought them inside for winter.
There are small holes completely through the leaves, and some of the new growth on the Walmart-refugee has been skeletonized completely. What munches like this and is there any way to stop it?

PS: sorry no pictures, RIP my digital camera

snow · #2 11-20-2008, 02:15 PM

snails?
you won,t know for sure untill you take the plants out of their pots. rinse them really well and repot into new compost. that most likely should take of the problem.
it would,n,t hurt to spray the whole plant and roots with an insecticide.

Gin · #3 11-20-2008, 04:13 PM

I have some of mine on the enclosed porch , caught a small worm having a dinner sounds like the same type of damage , but if happening at night I agree about the slug or snail.. Gin

Greenthumb Mern · #4 11-21-2008, 03:23 PM

Thanks a bunch for the help!
What kind of insecticide would work best, if anyone has a preference?

Ross · #5 11-21-2008, 03:31 PM

Before you asume insecticide is necessary, why not repot and carefully inspect the roots? Just give them new medium to live in. That way you'll find the culprits and eliminate them. Won't need potentially harmful insecticides. As for snails (if that is the culprit) you'll need dedicated snail bait. Nothing that I know of can be sprayed for snails. See why I suggest repotting?

Greenthumb Mern · #6 11-21-2008, 07:01 PM

Yea, I will definitely repot them first to see what it looks like. I guess they must have picked up some snails or whatever from being outside in the summer, since I repotted them this past July or so.
Does a little tray of beer or salt really work against snails?

Greenthumb Mern · #7 11-21-2008, 07:02 PM

Yea, I will definitely repot them first to see what it looks like. I guess they must have picked up some snails or whatever from being outside in the summer, since I repotted them this past July or so.
Does a little tray of beer or salt really work against snails?