pests on my phalaenopsis

[Royal]

There is no one thing. You've got to find the right spot, one that gives them all they want. That and patience. Do a little reasearch on the plants you have, post a few threads here, that'll pass the time!

[Dorothy]

Sharon - I'm so glad you have successfully treated your orchid and it's on the road to becoming healthier and happier
There are a few Phals that are fragrant if that is what you are interested in getting .. Cattleya alliance orchids have some of the best scents - Iwanagara Apple Blossom is one and can be cared for easily with plenty of sunshine - Brassavola and it's hybrid are a great choice as Royal Orchid suggested.
What are your growing conditions like is the main concern when chosing an orchid .. for example if you have a limited light source .. you might want to stick with shade loving orchids .. Let us know so we can make good suggestions for you

[Shirley]

Hi Sharon,

A big welcome to the OB. You'll find it a wonderful resource for any questions you have and everyone is very helpful and friendly. Since you mentioned going to the Calgary show, just wanted to suggest that it would probably be worth your while to join their society even though you're unlikely to get to the meetings, because I think they put out a regular newsletter that would have lots of info for you. Also, they now have a society in Vernon. Is that closer to you?

[sharon lynn]

hi shirley..calgary is 2-half hrs away..vernon is about 4..i didnt know there was a show in calgary..do you know when it is ?& where?..how do i join the society's..? i dont like driving in calgary,but can always get husband to go with me to do the driving..dont mind vernon tho..its not as big,also i have a friend in vernon that i could get to see.

[sharon lynn]

hi..ive tried to send quick reply 3 times now..wont let me...how come???

[sharon lynn]

ok..so now it does..my plants face N-N-E..seem to like it get sun but not directly..until i messed with them they were doing well..(transplant..fertilize..etc) when & what should i use for fertilzer?map didnt have my zone so i went by nearest town..weather is alot alike in both places...also.. took dirt out of plant..put in bark instead...poor plant ..pests & dirt...but happier now i think..looks much better..leaves perking up...thx to all for advice...helps a lot

[moogiemama]

One of the most fragrant orchids and fairly easy to grow would be an oncidium named "Sharry Baby". Try to get one, especially if you like chocolate! It will fragrance a whole room!

[ladyslipper]

Originally Posted by sharon lynn

i didnt even know there were blooe times..that would be great to have flowers all year long...also..how do i get my plants that i have to bloom again..?

Hi Sharon, I don't know if you have been and gone from Calgary, but check out Paramount Orchids, Chuck and Bryan are wonderful and will support you after purchase with any questions or problems you may encounter. I raise Phalanopsis' mostly species almost exclusively and am currently in a running battle with both scale and mealies. Fortunately Phals have broad leaves for the most part so I have had success with removing any visible nasties with a Qtip drenched with alcohol. Afterwards I spray liberally with Neem oil on both the top and bottom of leaves and also the stalks. Try to stay away from spraying any flowers because the blooms may fall off. I have had this happen with my Phal amabilis. regards, mary

[moogiemama]

As an aside: my son is a chemistry major and told me to use 70 or 71% alcohol as it is more effective on the creepy crawlies!

- Lynn

[ladyslipper]

Hi Lyn, its not just picking off or spraying the bugs with alcohol, but the Neem Oil, completes the process in that I understand there is something in the oil that essentially interrupts their life cycle so eventually they get bred out. Alcohol I think may kill the mealies but I don't think the eggs are effected and also for scale for example, the alcohol dissolves the shell or protective covering and the oil/soap kills them. I think thats essentially right.