Mites on Restrepia cymbula? New plant protocols.
 

Just as a precursor to this post: Andys customer service was been phenomenal, just as their reputation has preceded them, and overall the plants appear vigorous, even the one in question. I am in no way trying to say they are careless vendors. I highly recommend doing business with them.

That being said: I just received this plant from Andy's and want to figure out what is going on. My concern is with the leaves in the foreground; the leaves in the back are obviously insect/ mechanically damaged and are therefore not of major concern, necessarily. I just don't want to introduce this to my terrarium with it having an infection or virus of some sort.

Is anyone familiar with their pre-shipping protocol, in terms of sanitation and inspection? I emailed them at info@andysorchids.com. Is there another address that I should try?

What are your personal practices upon receiving new plants? keep them quarantined for how long? My growing areas are not conducive for this as I only have two lights and the window sills are COLD right now. I always spRay with Physan 20 as I feel shipping conditions are perfect for fungUS and bacteria growth.

Just as a nod to Andy's: their customer service has been phenomenal, and overall the plants are vigorous. I am in no way trying to say they are careless vendors; not that my unworthy

Thanks in advance,
Britton

:bump:

Thank you for the bump Sonya.

Andy called me today informing my that it looks like algae growth. Another example of great customer service from Andys Orchids!

I am still curious to hear about your habits upon receiving new plants.

Best,
Britton

Potted plants almost always get repotted, even the cranky ones. I have on two or three occasions found what I call brownie plugs (seed tray plugs) so I repot. (Being a overwaterer, those plugs are a no-no) Superthrive/seaweed/rooting compond treatment to lessen the transplant shock.

Sometimes I will dunk the whole plant in the cinnamon concoction. If the plant appears to have any indication of past insect activity, it definitely gets dunked. I actually think I should do this to all new plants.

Can't do much but inspect and dunk mounted plants.