February 20, 2009
Care and Feeding of mature orchid plants & aphid problems with them?
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We inherited 4 large orchid plants but aren't sure of their care. What type of sun do orchid plant require and also, how do you get rid of aphid(s) on orchid plants. I was told to NOT use the commercial products or soapy water.Whatelse is left? One more question, does anyone have a good resource reading material wise on the general care and feeding of these plants? Our nursery recommended a few different books though couldn't give a good opinion on any of them. Thanks!
PS-We live south of San Francisco with the average temp. this time of year being in the 70's.
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Congrats on your inheritance! Pretty neat….
"Sufficient light is important for healthy growth and flower production.
"Provide Bright light, to 50 percent sun. In the home, an east, west or lightly shaded south window. In a greenhouse, about 30 to 50 percent of full sun. Under lights, four 40 watt incandescent bulbs directly over plants. Plants should be naturally erect, without need of (much) stalking, and of a medium olive-green color."
(http://www.alohaorchid.com/dendrobiumbeginner.aspx)
For a book, Try: Success With Orchids, Growth & Care of Exotic Blooms
Wilma Rittershausen, Photographer Eric Crichton
I found it at Yahoo! Shopping for $16.95 (http://shopping.yahoo.com/p:Success%20With%20Orchids%3A%20Growth%20%26%20Care%20of%20Exotic%20Blooms:3000513853;_ylc=X3oDMTB1c21tcDhkBF9TAzk2NjMyOTA3BHNlYwNmZWVkBHNsawNib29rcw–)
Or better yet, get that book from half price books for $10.00… http://dogbert.abebooks.com/servlet/SearchResults?AID=9885520&PID=1545744&y=7&tn=Orchids%3A+Growth+and+Care&x=88 Scroll down to #6….
For the aphid problem try DE (available at Lowe's). It is a powder "Diatomaceous Earth is moderately effective for aphid control when dusted on orchids. The sharp edges of the fossilized diatoms irritate and cut the membranes of the insects and they dehydrate. However, diatomaceous earth is not effective when wet and it readily washes from the plant."
"Neem and common vegetable oils are also effective, but vegetable oils often become rancid after application. Though this may not harm the orchid, it often smells foul if the plants do not receive a regular foliar irrigation.
"Oils should be mixed with water and a few drops of liquid detergent, the latter of which acts as an emulsifier. The oil must be allowed to spread over the plant and insects/mites for effective control. To avoid damage to the plants do not apply oils in full sun, when temperatures exceed 85°F, when humidity exceeds 90% for more than 48 hours, or on open blooms. All oils must be used on a regular basis and every 10-14 days, depending upon pest and environmental conditions." (http://nathist.sdstate.edu/orchids/Pests/Aphids.htm)
Happy Gardening!
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