Oncidium Sunny Days with spike damage

[sunkid]

This would have been my first success at re-blooming an Oncidium. Alas, both previously very healthy looking spikes have now broken off about an inch and a half from the top. I took some pictures (not for the faint at heart!), but the forum doesn't let link to them: www dot flickr dot com/photos/shaggy67/sets/72157629554755042/, I have attached medium sized versions below.

I noticed the first broken spike last night. From the looks of it, it had happened some hours before already. This morning, the second spike was broken and I know for sure that my 3 year old had not been outside yet, so don't blame him! Obviously, physical damage seems the most likely explanation, but we did not have much wind at all over night and this is the only plant with damage.

On the pictures, you will likely notice the white mealybug-looking spots that are probably white mealybugs. I first noticed these a handful of days ago and sprayed with Bayer's Natria, which unfortunately does not seem to help much. Not sure if the bugs or the spray could have caused the spike damage... halp!!!

[WhiteRabbit]

Dang I'm sorry that happened. Could it be from animals? Squirrels, birds ?
You might still get blooms from the buds developing below the break.

Not sure if those are mealies. If just a few, you can use a qtip dipped in rubbing alcohol to remove/kill them. (keep plant away from others, so if they are mealies, you don't get them on other plants). Tho if there are mealies, those lower buds could be harboring more.

I don't have much experience with the *expletive* buggers myself (knock wood), but I'm sure others will have more advice.

Good luck!

[shadytrake]

I see what looks like slug slime in the 2nd photo. You have a pest somewhere for sure. Slugs attack at night then retreat to the medium. I would dunk the pot to see if you can force the bugger to the surface and squash it! If not found, then could be a roach.

Next time it spikes, you might try to fashion a screen cage to protect the spikes or bring it inside at night if you don't have a shadehouse with screen coverage.

Good luck.

[sunkid]

Originally Posted by shadytrake

I see what looks like slug slime in the 2nd photo.

I double-checked and I don't see any slug or snail slime traces on the plant, but it is of course a possibility. The good news is that I found a third spike.

The white spots on the pictures were actually grainy and not soft so I am not sure they were mealy bugs. However, there was one of them a little lower on the spike, so they definitely are in need of a stronger poison.

Rodents are another possibility. Our mouser has gotten a bit lazy and I have trapped some myself over the last few months. However, I would think that any mouse climbing up these spikes would do more than just break them off. In both cases, the broken off spike was still attached to the remainder and it looked like a clean snap, not a bite.

[dounoharm]

i would definately bring it in at nite to protect the third spike.....and treat it with a good systemic poison anyway, that will ensure that you dont haul in critturs with the plant...gl

[sunkid]

Well, I went on slug patrol last night and it turns out shadytrake was right: found a not so little slimy villain right on top of the spike that had broken off. He is no longer with us and will not be missed either. Hopefully, he was all alone, but I will keep an eye out and have already sprinkled sluggo around.

Thanks for all your feedback!