Got Bugs!
 

Hi all,

Recently a few non-orchid plants arrived from a family member and now I have a mess in my orchids (as well as the others). I am seeing white stuff (almost like a powder) on my potting medium, and in one case, it has made a 1 1/2 inch ring around the lower section of the outside of a pot as well as the rim around the top. I found small mealys (i think) and just recently a tiny worm was munching on my oncidium. I have tried alcohol without much luck.

I am going to get Bayer Rose or Garden Safe, but this is my first time with critters. Could someone tell me the best way to approach this? Should I water the plants first, spray leaves, medium and roots? I really don't know what to do and am looking for guidance- from start to finish. I have 15 orchids (all outside in beautiful Florida)- do I need to repot all of them?

I can provide photos later today if needed.

Thank you all so much for and advice or suggestions you can share.

I'd opt for Garden Safe Fungicide 3 which is actually Neem Oil. It is recommended as Fungicide, Insectide and Miticide. This is a mild broad spectrum treatment that should controll several prospect pathogens. You'll need to buy several large bottles and be prepared to spray twice a week over a three week period. Then check everything out.

Thanks Ross, I will get the product you suggested.

Just to be clear- when I spray, it will get the leaves, medium, pots and exposed roots. Should I water first or try to avoid the roots?

Do not avoid the roots! Get it all to the point of drenching. That's why you need many bottles. They're only like $4 bucks or so a bottle. Cheaper yet is the concentrate, but you'd have to order that and wait. Feel free to drench the whole plant then pour the remaining through the pots to get the roots. You can use this as the normal watering. It's only like .9% Neem so mostly water. Also spray the outsides of the pots as well. We're talking bazookas here! Go get 'em! You could back off to one treatment per week, but will still need three weeks of treatments.

You've been a great help! Getting off work here in a bit and will get the stuff! "Look out critters..days of chillin on my patio are done. "

Thanks again Ross...I will be back if I run into any issues. Have a great weekend!