Are spiders a problem? - Orchid Board

BradGC · #1 11-10-2012, 10:09 PM

I'm constantly clearing away spider webs from my cymbidiums, and everyday they're back up with a new web.
But I'm kind of feeling bad for breaking down their webs everyday and wondering, are they perhaps helping by eating aphids and other bugs?

Leafmite · #2 11-10-2012, 10:34 PM

I leave the spiders alone. They eat bugs. The only time I remove them (and release them outside) is if I have lady bug larva or predator beetles as they are more effective.

BradGC · #3 11-10-2012, 10:40 PM

Thanks for he help!

Also, are ants bad on orchids? I've heard that they feed on aphid secretions But so I don't have any signs of aphids

Leafmite · #4 11-10-2012, 10:51 PM

This likely depends on the type of ant. Ants that are known to 'herd' aphids/scale will eventually 'farm' on your orchids. Not all ants do, however. Some ants hunt other insects, some gather fungus, and some might just want to colonize your plants. Here, the ants I find on my plants are aphid 'herders' so they must be eliminated with boric acid traps. If you can't identify the ants or eliminate the possibility that they are aphid 'herders', it is best to rid your plants of them.

BradGC · #5 11-10-2012, 10:55 PM

Will do, thanks again.

I'm fairly new to growing orchids and this upcoming summer I think I'll have a few first time flowers for me, I noticed a spike on my stanhopea today, a spike on my neofinecia and a suspicious bump on the side of my terete vanda, although its 1 leaf down from the previous spike so possibly a root

lepetitmartien · #6 11-10-2012, 11:06 PM

Spiders are only an issue if you have one of the bad sort that can bite installing in the 'chids (as you're in Oz). As you can always put the finger in the wrong place and have the just retaliation of the spider for aggression.

If it's an "innocent" one, don't bother. They work for you.

In Europe it's unlikely to have one of the few biting in the orchids save outside during summer. And if they are not welcomed (web destroyed), they know better and move.

For ants, a lot of orchids produce drops of sap with special organs I don't know the name in english. The more deeply involved in the cooperation even furnish a nest for them. Ants can sure for some species have aphid treated like cattle, but whatever the ants do they will protect the plant that feeds them. It may be the effect sought.

If they build their nest in on of the orchid pots, it may be an issue, if they don't colonize and just feed, why bother?

Leafmite · #7 11-10-2012, 11:08 PM

Good luck with your blooms!

Cym Ladye · #8 11-11-2012, 02:25 PM

Ants can spread virus, milk aphis and with their dirty little feet, track nasty bacteria and molds onto the flowers and the plant. NO, NO, NO to ANTS!

If ants have set up housekeeping in a pot, I spread out a sheet of newspaper and sprinkle ant powder on it. Then set the contaminated plant on it and sprinkle more powder on the top of the mix. Gently bounce the plant on the newspaper, walk away and leave it for 10 minutes. Repeat this several times as well as tapping the sides of the pot. Leave on paper overnight. The following day, bounce and tap the the plant one more time. If no ants show up, take the plant back to its home, carefully wrap up newspaper with the remaining powder and dispose of it. The powder should wash through the mix on your next waterings. Works for me every time.

For more threads on "Ants" use the search engine at the top of the OB page. You should find enough opinions on the subject to tickle your interest!

Cym Ladye