Newbie from inland SoCal

[khakigecko]

Hi All I'm Stacey from Rancho Cucamonga and I am an Orchid Geek (officially now). My first orchid was sent to me from the Big Island of Hawaii when my best friend was a resident. Over the years she sent me a few more. They were beautiful when they arrived, but I could never get them to rebloom ever again. Those plants are gone now - I think I got frustrated and gave up. Now I raid the clearance rack at my local Lowe's store of their healthy looking and still blooming orchids. I've aquired a small, table top green house that I keep them in until they send out flowers to enjoy, then they become the center piece of the room for several weeks.
I found your site today as I searched the Net for help ridding my plants of those darned mealy bugs! I found brookn's dish soap recipe and can't wait to try it tonight! I was also surprised to learn just how well those buggers can hide! I didn't even think to soak and repot! Thank you all for your expertise! I have a lot to learn, and I think I've landed in just the right spot!

[syndywindy]

Hi, welcome to the forum! Mealies can be pesky so be sure you treat until they are gone. I usually will use alcohol on a q-tip to get to them. Thankfully I have never had a large infestation of them, jsut a few here and there as I am always watching for critters. We love pictures, so be sure to post some of your orchids.

[patticake]

to Orchidgeeks! It's nice to have you with us!

[lmartiny]

Welcome Stacey. I brought home meallies from some rescues so look them over carefully. I've vowed to walk away from any plant that shows signs of bugs. Even at growers' greenhouses. I think I've licked the mealies. But spider mites ruined a big, beautiful orchid I'd bought from a grower. I have trouble knowing if I've solved the problem. You will learn a lot on this site. I have.

[orchids4me]

Welcome to the forum!!
And you sure did land in the right spot, I found this place researching online how to get a Phal. To rebloom. You're going to like it here : )
Emmaye