What is on my Paph. Maudes Ruby? - Orchid Board

Ranchnanny · #1 01-04-2009, 04:47 PM

Can anyone tell me what is on this Paph.? It looks like white lint. I noticed it on the new flower this morning. It is also around the base of the plant but not down in the medium.

Sheridan

cb977 · #2 01-04-2009, 04:56 PM

Looks like the start of mealy-bugs!

Separate the plant from the others and get it cleaned up.
If it's at the base of the plant too, there's a good chance it is down in the medium...I'd repot it.

Ranchnanny · #3 01-04-2009, 04:58 PM

Susanne, I took it out of the pot this morning and checked the roots no white stuff found. I will repot asap. what should I use to get rid of that stuff?

Sheridan

cb977 · #4 01-04-2009, 05:01 PM

For mealybugs and scale, I use a 50/50 mix of alcohol and 409 cleaner. To get it off the bloom, I'd dip a cotton swab in the mixture and gently wipe it off. Then spray the bottom of the plant

Joansorchid · #5 01-04-2009, 05:40 PM

Looks like mealy bugs to me too! It can be a real pain. If you dont clean it up quick it can kill your chid.
Hugs Joan

Ross · #6 01-04-2009, 05:53 PM

Mealies are pretty easy to clean up. Neem Oil does it. The alcohol mix does it. Nearly anything does it. The question I have, though, is where else are these critters hanging out? One plant with mealies is like one handful of Lays Potatoe Chips!

Ranchnanny · #7 01-04-2009, 06:20 PM

Thanks everyone for the comments and advice. I have taken a q-tip and alcohol and cleaned up the bloom and repoted it. I pulled off all of the old leaves to find more white stuff

but that is all gone now. I will keep an eye on it and on my next trip to wally world I will pick up some 409 and more alcohol. Neem oil is on my list as well. There was no mealy bugs evident on the roots and I have checked all the other 'chids' and nothing was found.

.

Thanks again

Sheridan

Joansorchid · #8 01-04-2009, 06:33 PM

Sheridan
They are such a pain as you can transfer them on your hands or clothing. I have a friend who owns a florist and she told me to use washing up liquid which seems to work.
Joan

dounoharm · #9 01-04-2009, 07:06 PM

i would wash the roots well with the alcohol 409 mix too, those little boogers will show up where you least expect it....keep a close eye on all of your 'chids! good luck!

Ranchnanny · #10 01-08-2009, 11:54 PM

I took the advice and made a 50/50 mix of alcohol and 409 cleaner and did the deed..

I have been checking it everymorning, afternoon and evening so far things look good

. The other 'chids' are looking good as well.

Thank you all

Sheridan