Crawlies in medium of my new Paph. - Orchid Board

RosieC · #1 03-02-2009, 03:29 PM

I've just seen a centipede/millipede type thing in the medium of my new (first) Paph!

I managed to pick up the bit of bark it was on and threw it out the door.

I then soaked the medium (it was pretty dry anyway) hoping any bugs would float to the top. Another very similar crawly came out to the top (and I got rid of it).

What else can/should I do?
I don't want anything to spoil this loverly new Paph, so want to be sure I've got rid of anything nasty

Lagoon · #2 03-02-2009, 03:56 PM

I find this bug fairly commen, it doesn't shock me anymore at the least. Chances are if you've seen 1 there are more.
I would repot it the next watering time. Until then be sure to keep it away from you're other 'chids.

I did see a recent photo of you're paph Rosie, its just beautiful, wonderful choice!!!!
Enjoy you're new baby

RosieC · #3 03-02-2009, 04:48 PM

Thanks Gloria.

I'm worried about repotting when its in flower.

I have no idea how long the flower will last (I have no idea when the flower came out as I bought it fully open).

I know some people say that Phals can be repotted when in flower, but what about Paphs

Lagoon · #4 03-02-2009, 08:10 PM

I agree with the phals, they don't tend to be bothered my repotting. I feel the same about paphs. I haven't had any problems so far. Its up too you.

I don't know if you had a chance to have a look at the roots? If not, you might wanna take a quick peek. Sometimes its the bugs that give us clues as to what could be going on inside the media.
Normally these bugs will show up threw decay of media, even roots that are not in the best condition.

I don't always repot any orchids right away (sometimes weeks) - but I do some detective work to see if they need my help. If they do, then they get repotted straight away.

Don't get discouraged its all pretty normal orchid stuff eh?

orchids3 · #5 03-02-2009, 10:51 PM

Is is a fat brown millipede? I dont like them! They tell me seven dust on top of the media will eliminate the things. One person I know says they really dont hurt anything. Does anyone know? In Florida I bring my plants in for my wife to enjoy - Shake out frogs, lizzards and once a snake - but if wife sees those things my chids may be banned from the house.

Hedge · #6 03-04-2009, 06:54 AM

Hi Rosie, You could try a drench of Provado before you repot, especially as its in flower. Get the sort that has to be diluted then use it as directed as a soak rather than spray.

What a shame when it's such a beautiful plant.

Good luck

Heather

Sandy4453 · #7 03-04-2009, 07:03 AM

I would definitely repot it now. I've had this problem with my Oncidiums...small millipedes or centipedes in the mix. They are heavy feeders on the leaves which I lost a lot of on one plant until I did a complete cleaning. If there's one, there's more. You really need to get the old medium out and clean the plant. You shouldn't have any problems with the flower unless you keep the old mix....with those creatures still in it. Good luck!

Beverly · #8 03-04-2009, 07:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by orchids3

Is is a fat brown millipede? I dont like them! They tell me seven dust on top of the media will eliminate the things. One person I know says they really dont hurt anything. Does anyone know? In Florida I bring my plants in for my wife to enjoy - Shake out frogs, lizzards and once a snake - but if wife sees those things my chids may be banned from the house.

I think finding a snake in an orchid would probably end my obsession.
Beverly

mojomick · #9 03-04-2009, 08:52 AM

If they are the really tiny centipeds, like less than an inch long, an entomologist friend said to leave them alone as they eat the dead stuff inside the medium. Since they are the only ones we seem to have where I live, I will leave them be, If you have bigger ones, then you're on your own. Betty

RosieC · #10 03-04-2009, 05:05 PM

Thanks everyone.

They were quite tiny things no more than 1/2" maybe as small as 1/4".

The medium on the top looks quite fresh, but then it also is not holding the moisture for long, while the stuff lower down is staying damp a lot longer (I can tell from the wodden spike holding the flower). I get the sort of impression that maybe some of the medium fell out when it was shiped from The Netherlands to my garden center and that the garden center may have put fresh bark on top or something.

Gloria, you say I should take a peak at the roots, but I'm not sure how to do that when it's not in a clear pot. If I take it out the pot, I'll be pretty much re-potting anyway won't I. Or should I do that and if the medium and roots look OK, just put it back with the same medium.

Heather, the website for my local garden center lists the Provado so I'll give that a try I think.