I've been robbed.

[Junebug]

Ironically some bug decided to devour 2 out of 3 of my Maikai blooms. There are plenty of buds and blooms in the shade house right now but the insect chose to munch my first anticipated buds from this plant/plants. Actually 4 small plants are growing from this mount. They were all part of an earlier "Orchid Ball" project that I started about 3 years ago. When that project failed I transferred the immature plants to this cactus skeleton. It took a while for the chids to adjust, but they eventually adapted and have been growing well ever since. I was surprised to even see buds during this time of year because I have another Maikai that only blooms in winter. The loss is disturbing, but I guess I should be thankful that one bud was spared.

I'm not sure what ate the two buds, but on my list of usual suspects would be either a scarab beetle or a large palmetto bug. They typically eat during darkness and leave no scraps of evidence. Damage from either of these insects is most prominent during summer.

I feel better now that I've vented.

[Gin]

Oh ! %$#@ know how u feel wonder if it was a slug ? I am sorry

[Jennyfleur]

Oh NO! Vent away!! it's not good to keep these things locked up Out of curiosity, what was the project originally designed for? (sorry, can't help being nosey!)

[Leafmite]

I was so worried it was your house or your orchids! Whew! I do understand about losing blooms. In my case, it is always my own clumsiness so far. Of course you should vent. We wait so long for the booms that it IS upsetting to lose them. And, only other orchid addicts understand. Sigh.
Leafmite

[Junebug]

Originally Posted by Jennyfleur

Oh NO! Vent away!! it's not good to keep these things locked up Out of curiosity, what was the project originally designed for? (sorry, can't help being nosey!)

Here is the link to my original project. http://www.orchidboard.com/community...vine-ball.html
I thought the metal frame was wrapped with grape vine but I later determined it was willow. Anyway, the young plants sent out some roots into the epiweb filling but the filling began falling out as the willow decomposed. The plants had lost much of their gusto by the time I transferred them to the cactus skeleton and it took a while for recovery and new growth. All of them look healthy now. The cactus skeleton has made a great mount. It briefly retains the perfect amount of moisture and it's held up well with no signs of decomposition.

[cday2inflorida]

I hate that!!