I found bugs in my brand-new orchid bought from a local grower. It is potted in sphagnum. Should I replace the sphagnum and repot? Also, do y'all know what kind of bug this is?
I found bugs in my brand-new orchid bought from a local grower. It is potted in sphagnum. Should I replace the sphagnum and repot? Also, do y'all know what kind of bug this is?
I don’t see them but I agree with PlantyAnn. Repot and depose of the old media immediately. If it is mealy bugs, I would treat with alcohol. There is a post on the Orchid Oasis forum from about three weeks ago where Jen gave some great advice on treating them.
2 gillningar
It looks like the media is holding onto a lot of water so you might want to watch for rot too.
3 gillningarI had just sprayed it with a bunch of water to see if I could flush out the bugs.
0 gillningar
i would repot in a bark based mixture, dispose of the old stuff, and be sure to rinse the roots thoroughly to remove bugs. an alcohol and insecticidal soap mixture will likely kill whatever bugs remain. i use a few drops of dr bronner’s castile soap along with a few drops of tea tree, peppermint, and lavender essential oils, it’s a very effective natural insecticide in my experience
2 gillningar