*please* help, I have a phal under attack!

[Jennyfleur]

Morning I had a check this morning and there was one little bug and a couple of droplets of sticky - it's almost like the spike is producing sap, I thought you only got sap when the flowers were out?

[Paul Mc]

That's a good question. I have never cleaned off the sap to see if the spike produces more sap or not, but the sap does attract potential bugs. You may want to clean the new sap off.

Out of curiousity, have you checked Ray's website for home remedies in regards to thrip since that seems to be the concensus? It's FirstRays.com. He's got some really good information in there, just click on the "free info" tab on the bottom of the page, then scroll down to the heading "Pests and Ailments" and click on the appropriate link.

Glad to hear they appear to be almost all gone! Keep us posted!

[Jennyfleur]

Thanks Paul, I'll have a look and let you know how I get on over the new few weeks - keep those fingers crossed!

[silken]

I sometimes get sap on new growths of catts before there is even sign of a spike. It depends on the plant. And it does attract insects as it is sweet. Sounds like the thrips are under control and hopefully all goes well.

[DavidCampen]

Spinosad for control of thrips:

http://www.orchidboard.com/community...tml#post404544

[Jennyfleur]

Thanks David, that was interesting