have these nasty critters all over them. I've tried swabbing the entire plant with alcohol and that works for a week or so, but they keep returning. Ick! Any suggestions on how to get rid of the little stinkers?
Oh no! I wish I could help! I actually just posted a picture of my orchid that is blooming (finally), but I've never had it get that stuff! Did you try googling it? Good luck.
If you take the photo to a good nursery, they should be able to diagnose the problem and give you a solution to fix it. Our local nursery has saved many a plant for us!
I think you have wooly aphids (mealy bugs.) Google the name to see if that is actually what you have. Here's a link: http://www.orchidsocietyofcalifornia.com/Orinda.html down at the bottom is a section on pests.
For a baby-safe and even organic method (if you use organic soap/dishwashing liquid), try dapping soap bubbles on the mealy bugs, it works on my carnivorous plants which are sensitive to chemicals.
You might have to repeat every 3-4th day for about 2 weeks, but trust me they do work.What the bubbles actually do is to cover the insects with a film of oil or something, preventing access to O2. Watch out for ants too, if you see them on the plants, there's a high chance of the bugs are back, keep a close eye on the other plants too.
The best way is still placing the plant in a big bag & pump in CO2 (carbon dioxide) until the bag inflates & tie it up. Leave for 2-6 hours but do make sure you do this during day time when the plant actually need CO2 and this will suffocates the insects.
The downside is you'd need a CO2 tank, I don't think many have this laying aroud at home, well except those planted-tanks hobbyist!
Good luck with orchids & congratulations on the baby, he's gorgeous!
have these nasty critters all over them. I've tried swabbing the entire plant with alcohol and that works for a week or so, but they keep returning. Ick! Any suggestions on how to get rid of the little stinkers?
5 comments:
Oh no! I wish I could help! I actually just posted a picture of my orchid that is blooming (finally), but I've never had it get that stuff! Did you try googling it? Good luck.
If you take the photo to a good nursery, they should be able to diagnose the problem and give you a solution to fix it. Our local nursery has saved many a plant for us!
I think you have wooly aphids (mealy bugs.) Google the name to see if that is actually what you have.
Here's a link:
http://www.orchidsocietyofcalifornia.com/Orinda.html
down at the bottom is a section on pests.
I have heard that vinegar can get rid of nasties but I am not sure - never tried it. I hope you find a great solution for your pest prob!
For a baby-safe and even organic method (if you use organic soap/dishwashing liquid), try dapping soap bubbles on the mealy bugs, it works on my carnivorous plants which are sensitive to chemicals.
You might have to repeat every 3-4th day for about 2 weeks, but trust me they do work.What the bubbles actually do is to cover the insects with a film of oil or something, preventing access to O2. Watch out for ants too, if you see them on the plants, there's a high chance of the bugs are back, keep a close eye on the other plants too.
The best way is still placing the plant in a big bag & pump in CO2 (carbon dioxide) until the bag inflates & tie it up. Leave for 2-6 hours but do make sure you do this during day time when the plant actually need CO2 and this will suffocates the insects.
The downside is you'd need a CO2 tank, I don't think many have this laying aroud at home, well except those planted-tanks hobbyist!
Good luck with orchids & congratulations on the baby, he's gorgeous!
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