Pests on plants in bloom
 

I just today discovered a bit of an aphid infestation on one of my prize plants, a Dendobium Hibiki "Sandreas Delight'. This plant is one of my favourites because it grows like crazy and produces an insane amount of flowers. It looks like a big pink marshamallow. :-)

http://www.orchidboard.com/community...1&d=1632507180

So I am curious, what would you folks do when a plant gets hit by insects when its in bloom? Are you ruthless and cut off the blooms to save the plant? Try to find a middle way? Treat with the blooms in place?

FWIW, I have a pressure spray can, so my wife pressure sprayed it down which should set the infestation back somewhat and doesnt harm the flowers. But im not sure how i can possibly get good spray coverage with it looking like a big pink fluffball of flowers, I cant even see most of the canes.

So annoying, for some reason every year around this time we get hit by aphids. I think they seek out the warmth when it gets cold. Grrr.

Spinosad is pretty easy on flowers

How long do the flowers last on this Den? I had some aphids on a blooming plant in the spring, but I knew it would be dropping the flowers within 2-3 weeks so I knocked off as many aphids as I could, sprited the canes/leaves with soapy water, isolated the plant (where I could still enjoy it) and treated thoroughly once the plant was done blooming. If the pest was something like thrips though, I would probably pull out the big guns immediately and oh well if the blooms don't survive.


I'm so envious of your Hibiki! What's your secret? We have the same climate, yet I've killed 3 in very quick succession...

Aphids are easy to knock off with a water spray. Take it into the shower and spray them off. Watch closely; you probably will need to repeat.

The flowers last months. All summer. That photo was taken about a month ago and it still looks about the same, a few of the flours have faded.

I don't think i can claim much responsibility for it. I happened to buy the "Sandras Delight" clone (AOS/CCE), which seems to be much more vigorous. I have a friend who also has a Hibiki and we compared and its not as vigorous as mine.

As far as care goes I use fine (3-5mm) bark, and give it bottom heat in the winter. Ive started three plants from it since I got it. If you ever make it to Amsterdam id be happy to give you a keiki if you want. I have one rooting a few feet way and i already have two of them.

That's very kind of you, and you offer a Phal pallens keiki in exchange. I just might take you up on that sometime (no idea when!), Amsterdam is just a 1 hour train ride away. I am occasionally at my work's Amsterdam location (south of the city, along the A10), but not too keen on getting around Amsterdam by car!