Mealy Bugs..send them to bug hell

[bil]

Plants do communicate. The problem with 'letting nature work' is that that works overall in the wild. Bugs kill plants in the wild.

[wintergirl]

Originally Posted by King_of_orchid_growing:)

After reading my post again, I realized maybe a good number of people, particularly those who are in my generation or younger may think I might be "trolling". So, I'll post a lead and then you all can follow up on my claim.

The documentary is called "Amazing Plants":

https://youtu.be/vNWByUk22sl

I didn't think you were trolling. I think you are right. We may not have the exactly perfect conditions for our plants but trying to give them what they need will keep them healthier. I have all types of plants on 2 large sets of shelves, mostly species. I can give cold growing by my Kool log. Phals get less light and warmer conditions at the top and using curtains. My catts and vandas get extra light. Media and watering is different for the different types. I open windows, run fans and humidifiers. I look at my plants daily to see that they are getting what they need. I have not lost a single plant, nor have I had any infestations of any kind. I have received plants with problems, snails, bugs ect. but I cleaned them up before they were allowed to join. My plants are inside with a controlled environment, if they were out side I'm sure some critters might try to invade.

The link was not active but I found the program. Good show. [url]https://

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Thank you.

---------- Post added at 10:09 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:04 AM ----------

Originally Posted by bil

Plants do communicate. The problem with 'letting nature work' is that that works overall in the wild. Bugs kill plants in the wild.

I probably wouldn't go out on a limb and say that it doesn't work [at all].

It's probably more accurate to say that in some cases the orchid's natural defenses does not work because the feedback loop is cut off somewhere. The plant(s) may be signaling, but the final result that should happen, does not because there is a certain factor that doesn't exist in cultivation that might prevent the usual outcome.

In some other cases, it works just fine. We as growers haven't figured it out yet in some situations.

[MattWoelfsen]

I bought this product. The application instruction gives three options: spray pump, a dial up mixer attached to a garden hose, and a concentrate plus water hose end application. Can this product be applied by dipping the plant in the solution?

It is too cold to spray the stuff outside, so I am considering my garage, but the garage is where my furnace is located and I do not want the vapors sucked into the house!

What to do?

[katrina]

In the winter I don't want to spray any insecticides in the house either so I pour a little bit in a cup/container that's disposable and I paint it on w/a small paint brush/toothbrush. I leave the plant(s) sitting in my laundry room sink until it's dry and then back on the shelf it goes. Works perfectly and I don't have to worry about the spray getting everywhere.

I have never had to treat a large number of plants at any one time and I don't often have problems so this process works great for the occasional issue that pops up.

[silken]

Originally Posted by MattWoelfsen

I bought this product. The application instruction gives three options: spray pump, a dial up mixer attached to a garden hose, and a concentrate plus water hose end application. Can this product be applied by dipping the plant in the solution?

It is too cold to spray the stuff outside, so I am considering my garage, but the garage is where my furnace is located and I do not want the vapors sucked into the house!

What to do?

If it is just a few, could you put them in a large garbage bag or large pail or Rubbermaid type tub. Spray and then tie the bag off or put a lid on and just let them sit till vapours and smell is mostly gone.

[estación seca]

Originally Posted by silken

If it is just a few, could you put them in a large garbage bag or large pail or Rubbermaid type tub. Spray and then tie the bag off or put a lid on and just let them sit till vapours and smell is mostly gone.

With the lid on, or a tied bag, the vapours and smell will have no place to go.

[katrina]

Originally Posted by silken

If it is just a few, could you put them in a large garbage bag or large pail or Rubbermaid type tub. Spray and then tie the bag off or put a lid on and just let them sit till vapours and smell is mostly gone.

Maybe I did something wrong but I tried that once and as I was spraying the "mist" was floating back up at me...which I didn't like. A friend gave me the idea of doing the paint on method and, for me, I think it's easier. Nothing floating back at me makes me more comfortable about working w/that stuff while indoors.

[Orchid Whisperer]

This wouldn't work in Alaska or Canada, but in a lot of temperate climate places, you can haul a small collection outdoors on warm days in the winter to spray, take them back indoors when you are done spraying. Las Vegas, NV and Columbus, OH (for example) both have high temperatures near 50F forecast in the next few days. A soil drench with a systemic should provide some continued treatment effect.

Another variation is to spray outdoors, move them to a garage after (to dry), then move them back indoors.

Yes, YMMV, and I am aware this is really not a solution if you have hundreds of plants. It can even be a PITA if you have 50 plants.

[phsteve]

My method is to buy on of those cheap plastic storage containers from Walmart that is large enough to allow you to totally submerge your mealy bug loving orchid.
Use rubber gloves and painters mask to cover your nose and mouth. They are very cheap about $2.00 for 6-10.
Do all of this outdoors or in your garage.. not in you home. Allow the plant to totally soak for about 5 min
then pull it out. After about 30 seconds it will be drained enough to complete the draining outside. Then I place the plant in another plastic storage container with a locking lid. I'll move this container indoors and keep it closed for about 3 days. If there is any remaining odor its out to the container and allowed to air out in either garage or outdoors for 12 to 24 hours. The temp here in Las Vegas today is 53 F.
The insecticide dip solution is good for about 24-36 hrs.
This may seem like a lot of effort to kill the bugs. But if you want to totally eradicate the pests you will need to take a Shock and Awe action.
After all I rarely have the mealy bug problem...once every 2 years.
Good Luck my friends.