Ants - Orchid Board

Spook In Spain · #1 10-08-2012, 11:48 AM

I have had two Phalaenopsis suffer with ants setting up camp in the roots near to the main body of the plant.
Have removed plant from its pot discarded the potting mix for new and washed all the ants {hopefully} out and repotted in new mix

Is there any liquid that can be used as a flushing liquid shoud this occur again or any other suggestions or remedys for removing ants.

edub9 · #2 10-08-2012, 11:59 AM

Not sure, I have the same problem in Florida. Have a huge colony of ants living in of all things my Myermecoplilia Tibicinis(sp)!

edub9 · #3 10-08-2012, 12:02 PM

I am basically watching them as well as watching the health of the plant. If they do no damage I don't think I am going to worry about them. If I see any problems I will let you know. Also I forgot, I have an ENC. Tampense (florida native) and it is grown in a cedar basket with spag. it has had the same ants for 2 years or so and it is flourishing! It doubles in size every year and consistently blooms for me.

quiltergal · #4 10-08-2012, 01:07 PM

Keep in mind that many plant pathogens are transmitted sap to sap. If you have ants running around in your plants they are walking through sap and carrying whatever it contains to the next plant. I would get rid of them if you can.

edub9 · #5 10-08-2012, 01:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by quiltergal

Keep in mind that many plant pathogens are transmitted sap to sap. If you have ants running around in your plants they are walking through sap and carrying whatever it contains to the next plant. I would get rid of them if you can.

Thanks, I have been a bit worried about that, come to think of it I think I will get rid of them.

lepetitmartien · #6 10-08-2012, 01:55 PM

By definition, myrmecophyles ARE myrmecophyles. They provide home and food to ants as they live in symbiosis, or commensalism.

The most dangerous with ants is not so mcuh that they walk in sap, it's that they can nurse sucking insects that will eventually contaminate the orchid. They are also defending the plant against intruders.

Now, if you want to get rid of ants, have bits of lemon, or slices of hot pepper near their abode. They will go away asap.

edub9 · #7 10-08-2012, 02:17 PM

I am going to try that as I use pesticides but try to go green whenever possible. Oh, and I did know that in the wild the ants live in the plant but it's good to have put that here cuz others may not. Thanks for the handy tip!