Midwest orchid growers...

[Cheddarbob14]

I'll have to get my outdoor water tested. I put in a RO system under our sink a couple years ago so haven't had to worry about ppm at all other than my fertilizer. I did place my digital reader outside for the night (unseasonably warm this time of year) and had a 99% humidity reading....that can't exactly be bad for orchids.

[Ray]

Insecticides should never be used as preventive measures.

When we moved from PA to a much smaller place in NC, I went from 35+ years of greenhouse growing to windowsill/outdoors. Fortunately, our deck is well shaded by pergolas and trees, and the heat and humidity is just what the plants wanted.

I made up my own insect repellent to keep gnats and mosquitoes away from us, but it turns out to work well to keep the orchids intact, as well:

Per quart of witch hazel (cheap vodka also works), add two tablespoons apple cider vinegar, plus 1 ml each, essential oils of citronella, lavender, peppermint, and eucalyptus.

I merely put some in ramekins among the plants, but I think next summer I'll make "air wicks". I am even considering buying "tiki torches" for that application, but you have to find a way to prevent folks from lighting them...

But of course, before they come inside, the plants will all be thoroughly treated with insecticides, so we don't introduce and new "pets" into the house.

[Dollythehun]

Great brew! Thank you for the tip. My plan was to treat two weeks before they come in and again right before.

[Leafmite]

I did not put the orchids out this year as it hasn't been beneficial for me these past few years. Between the neighborhood kitties, one of my dogs, the pill bug infestation and a few other issues, I felt the orchids to be safer indoors. I did put out the other plants and bringing them inside this year is a slow process as I am washing the leaves off with soapy water, running soapy water through the soil, rinsing the plants, letting them dry, and then spraying them well with Neem oil. I hope to try to deter the mealy bug/scale infestation I had this past spring. Thankfully, nearly all of the plants I have brought in so far are completely clean thanks to the lady bugs and lacewings I ordered this spring.

---------- Post added at 01:03 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:59 PM ----------

Originally Posted by Ray

Insecticides should never be used as preventive measures.

When we moved from PA to a much smaller place in NC, I went from 35+ years of greenhouse growing to windowsill/outdoors. Fortunately, our deck is well shaded by pergolas and trees, and the heat and humidity is just what the plants wanted.

I made up my own insect repellent to keep gnats and mosquitoes away from us, but it turns out to work well to keep the orchids intact, as well:

Per quart of witch hazel (cheap vodka also works), add two tablespoons apple cider vinegar, plus 1 ml each, essential oils of citronella, lavender, peppermint, and eucalyptus.

I merely put some in ramekins among the plants, but I think next summer I'll make "air wicks". I am even considering buying "tiki torches" for that application, but you have to find a way to prevent folks from lighting them...

But of course, before they come inside, the plants will all be thoroughly treated with insecticides, so we don't introduce and new "pets" into the house.

Great advice! I have been using Mosquito Bites in my saucers to prevent mosquito and gnat breeding and I have a potted Artemisia absinthium among the plants which also helps.