Cymbidium orchid with centipede/miilipede infestation

[Lagoon]

Yeah I agree with the others, its time to repot.
You should be able to get the extract at a health food store. Although you could also check the spice ilse at you're local food shops.

I've dealt with these lil buggers a few times being in my phrags. Something that would work well for me was a soak then repot then finally a tablespoon of mouthwash with some water - (beer cup size) then added right down into the fresh media. Not the minty stuff just the regular golden listerine.

Good luck

[jeem132]

centepede and milipede eat other insects. im pretty sure about millipede and i am absolutely certait centipedes on eat meat as i had a pet on before that ate little tiny pink mice some times but mostly crickets

[mspatt]

You can find it in the spice aisle of Wal-Mart. And that mixture is wonderful--I use it regularly.

[Cym Ladye]

Unfortunately, this is NOT THE TIME OF YEAR TO REPOT CYMBIDIUMS IN THE NORTHERN HEMISPHERE. Since you had to do this, keep it on the dry side and out of the rain for the next several months as the roots were cut. Water very lightly. If the plant had been allowed to dry for several days before repotting, it would have been better off. The roots which were cut need to dry and seal before potting at this time of year or they will just rot with the cold temps and water and not send off new branches.

Cym Ladye

[dorothyld]

Originally Posted by Cym Ladye

Unfortunately, this is NOT THE TIME OF YEAR TO REPOT CYMBIDIUMS IN THE NORTHERN HEMISPHERE. Since you had to do this, keep it on the dry side and out of the rain for the next several months as the roots were cut. Water very lightly. If the plant had been allowed to dry for several days before repotting, it would have been better off. The roots which were cut need to dry and seal before potting at this time of year or they will just rot with the cold temps and water and not send off new branches.

Cym Ladye

Thank you so much for the helpful advice. I envy you living in California. Oh to be able to garden year round! I live in Edmonton Alberta which is zone 3. So my cymbidium is safely tucked away indoors. The only chance of it getting too cold is if the furnace fails. And it is away from the front door so as not to be hit by Arctic drafts in the upcoming months. The plant is actually looking quite happy. I will now be able to judge more accurately the moisture because the new pot is translucent. So I will try to go easy on the water. I did not notice any little critters this week so I am hopeful that the problem is under control. Thanks again Cheers , Dorothy

[Cym Ladye]

Dorothy,

If it is in the house, be sure to give it as much light as you can and move it outside as soon as all danger of frost is past. Cyms are really not happy living all year in the house, (most will not bloom under those conditions) and need the light and air circulation available outside.

CL