Neem Oil - Safe for all Orchid Alliances ?

[orchidsarefun]

I have started using neem oil as a preventive/precautionary spray. I have noticed that dendrobiums don't seem to like it ( leaves turn yellow ). I don't seem to have that problem on zygos, phals, oncids, masdies, milts and others. Basically I spray it on after watering and then ( hopefully ) wash it off at the next watering by watering the leaves, pot, everything.

What has been your experience ? I need to consider that the Dens may have another issue if it is indeed safe for them.

[SJF]

do you use it on sunny days?

[orchidsarefun]

I am a windowsill grower and water my plants in the bathtub on a rotating basis. The leaves are dry by the time I put them back on the stands and way before the sun hits them again....

[MrHappyRotter]

I've heard the same about dends. I don't know if it's specific species/sections or the whole genus.

I've used Neem on phals, paphs, phrags, oncidium alliance plants, and many others with no ill effects (that I noticed).

[HighSeas]

I've used it on virtually all of my plants, including dendrobiums, with no problems.

[Bud]

Its for the leaves and not for the bulbs or roots....yet, anything with oil do not put it under the sun...it will fry the leaves.... it is good for preventing fungi and other bacteria.

[lepetitmartien]

Are you using pure neem oil or hydrolized neem oil? (that is: with enough soap to solubilize the oil)

Watch if you're not clogging the stomates with the oil. If so: clean the leaves thoroughly underneath.

Now it may be something else, can you show us a pic or two?

[orchidsarefun]

this is the product
Bayer Advanced Natria Neem Oil Concentrate-706240B at The Home Depot

I don't add any liquid soap and use as directed. Any neem-wet foliage is dry by the time the plant/s are back into sunlight.

Here is one of the dens. The leaves look like they are withering and then eventually turn yellow and drop. The plant however has 2 new growths that are doing well, as well as new root growth.

[dounoharm]

that den looks a bit on the dry side...needs repotting into a larger chunk media....a (same size) clay pot will help stabilizing the plant as well as help in drying it out faster between waterings....you need to plump up those leaves by providing better water uptake thru stronger roots....good luck!

[lepetitmartien]

It's hydrolized, now thanks Bayer for incomplete composition… So it should not clog (have you shaken the bottle before using the product?) Verify it's not greasy under your leaves (24h after application)

And certainly an eye in the pot may be of interest as dounoharm suggested.