Mite ID?

[Judi]

Thanks for the research Hakumin, this is really interesting. I have no doubt that if the extract was harmful to roots it would have been noticed by now. Keep us posted on the results--I may try it on a phal if I get brave enough. Don't know if I would have the courage to try it on any of my fine root orchids though.

[Bud]

I never used cinnamon powder on the roots of my plant...I only use the powder on cuts from stems or leaf...I got the mixture from a lady florist who grew orchids from the flower district in Manhattan...in fact it kills flies and mosquitos if sprayed...I soak the pots for five minutes with the mix to kill the eggs...so far none of my orchids have had any complaints...its been 2 yrs that I have used this mix...its cheap and easy to do...but the main tenacious bug that comes back is this spider mite...I have 2 phals that is always infested...I spray it and its gone then it comes back again on same two plants in 6 mos...

[Judi]

Bud, do you rinse the medium after soaking in the cinnamon solution or just take the pot out of the solution and call it a day?

[Bud]

take the pot out and call it a day...I want the mix to remain in the pot to kill the eggs the bugs have laid on the roots and the medium...the cinnamon extract doesnt affect the plant at all...but I have read that cinnamon powder dessicates the roots; so I dont let powder near my roots except if it is cut(but I make a cinnamon paste out of the powder so I dont know if the chemical is affected)

[Judi]

Thanks Bud, I'll give it a try. I have a phal with a few roller bugs in the bark medium (also called pill bugs--don't know the proper name tho--any idea if it works on them? I have grandchildren, a cat and a parrot so I really hate to use nasty chemicals.

[Bud]

I am scared to use the big guns...as much as possible Id rather not poison myself...even with fertilizers; I use seaweed mix and worm tea mix...but I have phyton and physan that I use only if I have bacteria and fungi infestation...otherwise if its bugs...I do the cinnamon extract mix...and it works well for me

[RosieC]

Thanks Hakumin and thanks Bud for the extra information.

I like home remedies where possible