Up until now, I have been removing these fluffy, white things with a
wet paint brush. Obviously removal hasn`t been complete, as they are
now gathering in the joints on a flower stem. Can I use a paint brush
dipped in, for example, isopropyl, to kill them, please, without
damaging the plant?

Many thanks
Kate

Yes.

Putting a spray head into a bottle of isopropyl alcohol really simplifies
the process. Wet all surfaces of the plant thoroughly, allowing it to stand
in the leaf axils. Repeat every 3 days for 3 or 4 applications.

One thing you may have to watch for is root mealie bugs. If they have
colonized the medium and root structure, you're going to have to resort to
"stronger medicine".

--

Ray Barkalow - First Rays Orchids - www.firstrays.com
Plants, Supplies. Books, Artwork, and lots of Free Info!


"Kate" wrote in message
...
Up until now, I have been removing these fluffy, white things with a
wet paint brush. Obviously removal hasn`t been complete, as they are
now gathering in the joints on a flower stem. Can I use a paint brush
dipped in, for example, isopropyl, to kill them, please, without
damaging the plant?

Many thanks
Kate

Thanks for the info, Ray. Re your second paragraph, that sounds as if
I shall have to tip it out of the pot to check for them which is
something I am reluctant to do at the moment in case I damage the
flower stem. Would the root mealie bugs be visible through a
transparent pot, or would that mean the infestation is so severe the
plant would be showing some distress? Or should I apply this
"stronger medicine" just in case, do you think? The plant is looking
very healthy at the moment.

Thanks again
Kate

"Ray B" wrote in message
news:sey9j.15231$TZ4.3289@trnddc02...
Yes.

Putting a spray head into a bottle of isopropyl alcohol really
simplifies the process. Wet all surfaces of the plant thoroughly,
allowing it to stand in the leaf axils. Repeat every 3 days for 3
or 4 applications.

One thing you may have to watch for is root mealie bugs. If they
have colonized the medium and root structure, you're going to have
to resort to "stronger medicine".

--

Ray Barkalow - First Rays Orchids - www.firstrays.com
Plants, Supplies. Books, Artwork, and lots of Free Info!


"Kate" wrote in message
...
Up until now, I have been removing these fluffy, white things with
a
wet paint brush. Obviously removal hasn`t been complete, as they
are
now gathering in the joints on a flower stem. Can I use a paint
brush
dipped in, for example, isopropyl, to kill them, please, without
damaging the plant?

Many thanks
Kate

Personally, I'd try the alcohol first. If, after a week or so, you see more
bugs, then pull out the big guns.

--

Ray Barkalow - First Rays Orchids - www.firstrays.com
Plants, Supplies. Books, Artwork, and lots of Free Info!


"Kate" wrote in message
...
Thanks for the info, Ray. Re your second paragraph, that sounds as if
I shall have to tip it out of the pot to check for them which is
something I am reluctant to do at the moment in case I damage the
flower stem. Would the root mealie bugs be visible through a
transparent pot, or would that mean the infestation is so severe the
plant would be showing some distress? Or should I apply this
"stronger medicine" just in case, do you think? The plant is looking
very healthy at the moment.

Thanks again
Kate

"Ray B" wrote in message
news:sey9j.15231$TZ4.3289@trnddc02...
Yes.

Putting a spray head into a bottle of isopropyl alcohol really
simplifies the process. Wet all surfaces of the plant thoroughly,
allowing it to stand in the leaf axils. Repeat every 3 days for 3
or 4 applications.

One thing you may have to watch for is root mealie bugs. If they
have colonized the medium and root structure, you're going to have
to resort to "stronger medicine".

--

Ray Barkalow - First Rays Orchids - www.firstrays.com
Plants, Supplies. Books, Artwork, and lots of Free Info!


"Kate" wrote in message
...
Up until now, I have been removing these fluffy, white things with
a
wet paint brush. Obviously removal hasn`t been complete, as they
are
now gathering in the joints on a flower stem. Can I use a paint
brush
dipped in, for example, isopropyl, to kill them, please, without
damaging the plant?

Many thanks
Kate

I`ll make a start first thing tomorrow.

Many thanks
Kate

"Ray B" wrote in message
news:EIz9j.15233$TZ4.3928@trnddc02...
Personally, I'd try the alcohol first. If, after a week or so, you
see more bugs, then pull out the big guns.

--

Ray Barkalow - First Rays Orchids - www.firstrays.com
Plants, Supplies. Books, Artwork, and lots of Free Info!


"Kate" wrote in message
...
Thanks for the info, Ray. Re your second paragraph, that sounds as
if
I shall have to tip it out of the pot to check for them which is
something I am reluctant to do at the moment in case I damage the
flower stem. Would the root mealie bugs be visible through a
transparent pot, or would that mean the infestation is so severe
the
plant would be showing some distress? Or should I apply this
"stronger medicine" just in case, do you think? The plant is
looking
very healthy at the moment.

Thanks again
Kate

"Ray B" wrote in message
news:sey9j.15231$TZ4.3289@trnddc02...
Yes.

Putting a spray head into a bottle of isopropyl alcohol really
simplifies the process. Wet all surfaces of the plant thoroughly,
allowing it to stand in the leaf axils. Repeat every 3 days for 3
or 4 applications.

One thing you may have to watch for is root mealie bugs. If they
have colonized the medium and root structure, you're going to have
to resort to "stronger medicine".

--

Ray Barkalow - First Rays Orchids - www.firstrays.com
Plants, Supplies. Books, Artwork, and lots of Free Info!


"Kate" wrote in message
...
Up until now, I have been removing these fluffy, white things
with
a
wet paint brush. Obviously removal hasn`t been complete, as they
are
now gathering in the joints on a flower stem. Can I use a paint
brush
dipped in, for example, isopropyl, to kill them, please, without
damaging the plant?

Many thanks
Kate

Hello Kate, I started using Schultz's Houseplant Garden Insect Spray.
Hope this abbreviated version takes you to the page.
http://tinyurl.com/2okah4

I see you are in England so not sure if you can get the stuff. It is
manufactured in Germany,
so maybe.
NB....There are a few types of spray that look the same so be sure to check
the ingredients
It must have Pyretherins .01% ,
Hard to believe but it really works but of course you have to keep at it.
Cheers Wendy
"Kate" wrote in message
...
Up until now, I have been removing these fluffy, white things with a
wet paint brush. Obviously removal hasn`t been complete, as they are
now gathering in the joints on a flower stem. Can I use a paint brush
dipped in, for example, isopropyl, to kill them, please, without
damaging the plant?

Many thanks
Kate

Thanks for that, Wendy. Our daughter lives in Germany, so if I cannot
get it here, I shall look out for it next time we visit.

Kate

"Wendy7" wrote in message
...
Hello Kate, I started using Schultz's Houseplant Garden Insect
Spray.
Hope this abbreviated version takes you to the page.
http://tinyurl.com/2okah4

I see you are in England so not sure if you can get the stuff. It is
manufactured in Germany, so maybe.
NB....There are a few types of spray that look the same so be sure
to check the ingredients. It must have Pyretherins .01% ,
Hard to believe but it really works but of course you have to keep
at it.
Cheers Wendy

"Kate" wrote in message
...
Up until now, I have been removing these fluffy, white things with
a wet paint brush. Obviously removal hasn`t been complete, as they
are now gathering in the joints on a flower stem. Can I use a
paint brush dipped in, for example, isopropyl, to kill them,
please, without damaging the plant?

Many thanks
Kate

Kate,
When it comes to these insects, once I see them, I try to act
immediately because they multiply so quickly. I spray a solution on
the bugs lightly until wet where they are and before moving the
orchid. I liberally spray the nearby orchids and the growing area
surfaces. Unsprayed the bugs can be distributed like dust on the way
to the work area. Once there, it's time for eradication! The 'non-
chemical' means such as soapy water and alcohol basically block the
breathing surfaces on their abdomens suffocating the pests on contact.
The nice thing about such 'green' measures is that they have little
impact on the environment and don't stimulate the resistant strains of
new generations of the insects. Nevertheless sometimes I do use
chemicals such as acephate.
Spraying the orchid again at the work bench I use a brush too, a tooth
brush, to get all visible pests away. I also use a water spray as
appropiate to jet them away. But often insects are down in the roots.
I push the whole pot in, soaking all of the media, the foliage too if
I can manage. It can soak for at least 5 minutes. An interesting side
effect happened to some sick orchids that were left in my care. When I
came back to the soaking plant, on their way up to the top of the
plant were two slugs! Dunking orchids in soapy water or a chemical
bath should kill all breathing critters. This also should not disturb
any blooms. It is good to repeat this about 7 to 10 days later to snag
hatchlings.
I try to be vigilante but it just seems to be part of growing orchids.
I keep my eyes open & try to deal with it swiftly.
Lee

On Dec 17, 11:54 am, "Kate" wrote:
Up until now, I have been removing these fluffy, white things with a
wet paint brush. Obviously removal hasn`t been complete, as they are
now gathering in the joints on a flower stem. Can I use a paint brush
dipped in, for example, isopropyl, to kill them, please, without
damaging the plant?

Many thanks
Kate

Thank you for the tips, Lee. I only have four orchids (at the moment)
but seem to be having reasonable success - so far. I never had bugs
on orchids when I used to grow them years ago, so didn`t know any safe
method of eradication. When you say "soapy water", do you mean real
soap, not washing-up liquid, for example? And I assume that the
plants have to be flushed through with fresh water afterwards?

Thanks again
Kate

"Savor" wrote in message
...
Kate,
When it comes to these insects, once I see them, I try to act
immediately because they multiply so quickly. I spray a solution on
the bugs lightly until wet where they are and before moving the
orchid. I liberally spray the nearby orchids and the growing area
surfaces. Unsprayed the bugs can be distributed like dust on the way
to the work area. Once there, it's time for eradication! The 'non-
chemical' means such as soapy water and alcohol basically block the
breathing surfaces on their abdomens suffocating the pests on
contact.
The nice thing about such 'green' measures is that they have little
impact on the environment and don't stimulate the resistant strains
of
new generations of the insects. Nevertheless sometimes I do use
chemicals such as acephate.
Spraying the orchid again at the work bench I use a brush too, a
tooth
brush, to get all visible pests away. I also use a water spray as
appropiate to jet them away. But often insects are down in the
roots.
I push the whole pot in, soaking all of the media, the foliage too
if
I can manage. It can soak for at least 5 minutes. An interesting
side
effect happened to some sick orchids that were left in my care. When
I
came back to the soaking plant, on their way up to the top of the
plant were two slugs! Dunking orchids in soapy water or a chemical
bath should kill all breathing critters. This also should not
disturb
any blooms. It is good to repeat this about 7 to 10 days later to
snag
hatchlings.
I try to be vigilante but it just seems to be part of growing
orchids.
I keep my eyes open & try to deal with it swiftly.
Lee

On Dec 17, 11:54 am, "Kate" wrote:
Up until now, I have been removing these fluffy, white things with
a
wet paint brush. Obviously removal hasn`t been complete, as they
are
now gathering in the joints on a flower stem. Can I use a paint
brush
dipped in, for example, isopropyl, to kill them, please, without
damaging the plant?

Many thanks
Kate

On Tue, 18 Dec 2007 15:11:39 -0800 (PST), Savor wrote:
I can manage. It can soak for at least 5 minutes. An interesting side
effect happened to some sick orchids that were left in my care. When I
came back to the soaking plant, on their way up to the top of the
plant were two slugs! Dunking orchids in soapy water or a chemical
bath should kill all breathing critters. This also should not disturb

Bush snails don't like to be under water either.

Bob

Kate, you can get a gardener's kind like ?Safer Soap? spray but I just
use dish detergent or liquid hand soap. It works as a surfactant
meaning it clings to the bugs and clogs up their breathing. I don't
find it necessary to wash off the soap. I place maybe half a teaspoon
in a bucket of water or a few drops in a spray bottle of water. If
there are some suds in the water it works for me. Actually when I do
use isopropryl rubbing alcohol to place directly on the bugs before I
move them, I rinse them soon after that usually in spraying off the
bugs. Alcohol can dryout the plant.

First it was one orchid from the local grocer hanging out for months.
Then ?20! on shelves filling one window....... suddenly hundreds in
the greenhouse!
I must admit that I'd have so many more had I done what you are
doing.
~enjoy
Lee

www classicorchidtours com -- Seats still available for Thailand
Tour March 2008
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

On Dec 18, 7:43 pm, "Kate" wrote:
Thank you for the tips, Lee. I only have four orchids (at the moment)
but seem to be having reasonable success - so far. I never had bugs
on orchids when I used to grow them years ago, so didn`t know any safe
method of eradication. When you say "soapy water", do you mean real
soap, not washing-up liquid, for example? And I assume that the
plants have to be flushed through with fresh water afterwards?

I am just so cross with myself! I picked up my phal to treat it as
per the advice and caught the flowering stem on another plant,
knocking one of the side stems off. It had at least four buds on it.
First time I`ve got a phal to re-flower and I go and do something like
that :-(

Best wishes for Christmas and the New Year
Kate

"Kate" wrote in message
...
Up until now, I have been removing these fluffy, white things with a
wet paint brush. Obviously removal hasn`t been complete, as they
are
now gathering in the joints on a flower stem. Can I use a paint
brush
dipped in, for example, isopropyl, to kill them, please, without
damaging the plant?

Many thanks
Kate

Yesterday I picked up a cattleya and snapped off the newest growth. Sound
like snapping celery. Wait until 2009!

K Barrett

"Kate" wrote in message
...
I am just so cross with myself! I picked up my phal to treat it as per the
advice and caught the flowering stem on another plant, knocking one of the
side stems off. It had at least four buds on it. First time I`ve got a
phal to re-flower and I go and do something like that :-(

Best wishes for Christmas and the New Year
Kate

"Kate" wrote in message
...
Up until now, I have been removing these fluffy, white things with a
wet paint brush. Obviously removal hasn`t been complete, as they are
now gathering in the joints on a flower stem. Can I use a paint brush
dipped in, for example, isopropyl, to kill them, please, without
damaging the plant?

Many thanks
Kate

I was repotting a cattleya which had thrown a keiki and accidentally knocked
it off even though I knew it was there and was taking all precautions!

S**t happens!

John


"K Barrett" wrote in message
. ..
Yesterday I picked up a cattleya and snapped off the newest growth. Sound
like snapping celery. Wait until 2009!

K Barrett

"Kate" wrote in message
...
I am just so cross with myself! I picked up my phal to treat it as per
the advice and caught the flowering stem on another plant, knocking one of
the side stems off. It had at least four buds on it. First time I`ve got
a phal to re-flower and I go and do something like that :-(

Best wishes for Christmas and the New Year
Kate

"Kate" wrote in message
...
Up until now, I have been removing these fluffy, white things with a
wet paint brush. Obviously removal hasn`t been complete, as they are
now gathering in the joints on a flower stem. Can I use a paint brush
dipped in, for example, isopropyl, to kill them, please, without
damaging the plant?

Many thanks
Kate

On Sun, 23 Dec 2007 00:20:22 -0000, Kate wrote:
I am just so cross with myself! I picked up my phal to treat it as
per the advice and caught the flowering stem on another plant,
knocking one of the side stems off. It had at least four buds on it.

Just did the same to a onc. cheriophorum. :-(

Bob