 |
|
|
What’s “Bugging” Your Orchids? Aphids?
Organic Orchid Control from Jerry Baker America’s Master Organic Gardner
|
|
Stop Aphids Dead with Orange Peels!
Take one orange peel coarsely chopped - add 1/4 tsp. Baby Shampoo and 2 cups of water. In a blender, blend on high for 10-15 seconds. Strain out the pulp into a coffee filter and then pour the liquid into a hand held mist sprayer.
FIRST - water your orchid plants thoroughly
THEN - spray the plants and it is
ADIOS APHIDS!
|
|
|
|
What’s “Bugging” Your Orchids?
Fungus Gnats?
|
|
|
|
Paul J. Johnson of South Dakota State University states that most orchid growers “pamper” their plants. Two symptoms of this are over-watering and over-fertilizing which can cause break down of potting medium. In the case of orchids, the potting medium is not used as nutrition as with most plants but to help provide moisture in the artificial environments of the home, office, or greenhouse, as well as temporary support while roots are growing. The more decayed the medium, the less breathable it is for the orchids’ roots. Interestingly, there is an insect that can be used as an indicator of poor orchid care, event through they are commonly considered pests. Probably all orchid growers have at least some of this insect in their plant collection, namely, fungus gnats. The common fungus gnats in the hobby orchid collection are small, long-legged, long-antennaed, delicate flies with dark bodies and one pair of dusky-grey to black wings. Gnats are simply small flies, most of which do not bite.
The entire life cycle for the fungus gnats is about one month. They are common around the orchid plants because their larvae are feeding on the fungi growing in potting media that is too moist or wet, is warm, and the media is decaying quickly. In other words, it is the over watering and over fertilizing of your orchids that bring out the best in these fungus gnats!
|
|
|
|
|
Fungus Gnats easy to control -- if you..................
1. Use yellow sticky cards sold to catch aphids are excellent for fungus gnats.
2. Repot your orchids on a regular basis and use mixes containing materials such as charcoal and coconut (fiber or chunks) that are slow to decay, or inorganic components such as perlite.
3. Do not keep the medium constantly wet and if possible allow to dry between waterings, especially the upper inch or so.
4. Keep fertilizer to a minimum need for the particular type of orchid, and adjust the potting medium used.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Check this section on a frequent basis for additional, informative articles!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
What’s “Bugging” Your Orchids?
Mealy Bugs?
|
|
|
|
Are white, fluffy, cottony-looking “bugs” about 1/8 inch long attacking your orchid plants, particularly Phalaenopsis types? Well, you may have an outbreak of “mealy bugs”. These pests may start in the leaf axils and then infest entire plants and spread throughout your plant collection!
You can control them!! How?
Combine a half and half mixture of rubbing alcohol and water. Just spray on the “mealy bugs” and they’ll be gone -- Pronto! Use a Q-tip dipped in the alcohol solution for hard to get ones down in the leaf axils.
|
|
|
|
|
What’s “Bugging” Your Orchids?
NEEM - an oil from India that could help what ails your orchids!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Curiosity is often aroused when wondrous formulations are advertised. It is wise to be wary of new products when their product’s benefits are touted beyond belief. Yet orchid growers are always seeking an eco-friendly, integrated pest management tool. NEEM oil could be the anser for orchid hobbyists!
Native to east India and Myanmar, the Neem tree (Azadirachin india) is a tropical evergreen related to Mahogany. Compounds found in the seeds, bark, and leaves are said to have antiseptic, antiviral, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcer, and anti-fungal uses!
Historically, there is documentation indicating Neem was used to treat medical conditions and cure many illnesses. For centuries, extractable compounds from Neem have been incorporated into personal hygiene products such as toothpaste, skin cream, and soap. The list of medicinal value is long, impressive, and inspiring.
Reports from horticulturists state that extracts from Neem tree leaves have insecticidal and anti-fungal properties. Such a biological agent offers hope for growers concerned with protecting the environment while protecting their horticultural crops. Several commercial orchid growers from Florida tested NEEM oil on their orchid greenhouses. One Phalaenopsis grower used toxic sprays and still did not completely eliminate mealy bugs, scale, and slugs. Toxic sprays also caused allergic reactions in the greenhouse workers. NEEM oil (at the rate of 1/2 oz. per gallon of water with 3-4 drops of dishwashing soap as a surfactant) was sprayed on every plant, all benches, walkways, and under benches. The same procedure was repeated in two weeks and there was effective control of all pests including fire ants!
Commercial growers have reported efficient and long-lasting pest control with NEEM oil. While NEEM oil does have an odor, best described as like a strong “onion soup”, the odor only lingers for a short time.
NEEM oil has been used safely and effectively on Cattleyas, Dendrobiums, Phalaenopsis, Vanilla, and Vandas. It is NOT RECOMMENDED for Paphiopedilums and other terrestrial orchids.
According to the information from the NEEM Association, the primary active insecticidal chemical compound found in the NEEM oil is Azadirachtin which acts as an antifeedant. This means plants with Azadirachtin on the leaves will not be eaten by insects. Instead, pests die of starvationl. Only insects that eat plants are adversely affected by NEEM leaving honeybees and other beneficial insects essentially unharmed. As to the fungicidal properties, when NEEM oil solution covers the leaves, fungal spores are prevented from sticking to the plant. If the spores do not stick, they can not grow, penetrate the leaves, and can not cause disease. You may want to experiment with this “Oil of Wonder” and see what it does for you plants!
Warning: Never spray if temperatures exceed 85!
|
|
|
|
|
