Bringing orchids in from summer outside -- questions?
 

I had all my intermediate orchids outside all summer in a shady location (for better and for worse!). I've just brought them in, to spend the winter under some lights I have. I've groomed them and will put slug bait in each pot. Or should I not put in the pot but rather on the trays (I use Sluggo)? Anything else I should do?

I noticed one plant in particular with some little flies/gnats on the leaves and soil.
Anything to do about that? something with just that plant or all of them (I have about 25)?

thanks in advance, Susan

Ssone slug and snail bait products can decompose into a slimy mess. You're better off drenching the pots with a broad-spectrum insecticide, and leaving the baits outside of the pot.

Fungus gnats are an indication that the potting medium is decomposing (and growing a fungus, which is what the larvae feed on). While "mosquito dunks" will kill them, I read that scenario as an indicator that it's time to repot.

when i brought mine in I noticed pill bugs/sow bugs in my bark. re-potting fixes bug problems :)
that sounds like a BIG job to re-pot 25!

What better way to spend a weekend than in the warmth of your home repotting your "brood"

Thats how I feel too.Repotting is a relaxing and enjoyable task for me Unlss its bigger plants like my big trees in huge tubs ....and thats still not so bad I just draft a freind to help and then when it time to move thier stuff I help them.I just repotted 30 Phals for a friend recently but I get to enoy all the blooms as much as he does so its rewarding to know I am helping to get them.

I agree with Ray about the fungus gnats and decomposing media as well as the insecticide drench. I apply "Merit" to all my succulents in May and again in July/August to help with insects and their larvae. The Chids that are outside get the same treatment. I would only question repotting this late in the season for phals. Might it not delay spike formation while they re-establish themselves.... just a question...don't know the answer????? As for the slugs and snail issue, you can use apple slices laid on top of the media. This will attract the critters and you can get rid of them. When the slices get nasty looking just toss them out and replace. It takes about 5 ~ 7 days for them to get real nasty.