black and sticky?

[floridagardner7]

Hi everyone! I tripped over this site and was reading all the info and was thrilled to see that I am not the only one stumped by disease/pest problems. I couldn't register fast enough so I could post this in hopes that some one could give me some good advice on my situation. I live in Florida and enjoy that I can keep my orchids on the screened in patio by the pool for most of the year... when we do get cold weather... and yes we do... so far this winter we had a few nites as low as 29 -30 degrees. So I covered them and have done this for the past 6 years. Now here's my problem... I have this black sticky substance on my babies and have struggled with it off and on for the past 2 years. I can not use any chemicals on them as I have cats and dogs that go on the patio and do not want to poison them. I have used in the past the only organic spray solution that I've known and that is a water mix with antibactieral soap and some baking soda. I would spray them down and with my fingers gently rub and wipe it off. It just seems that I am never getting all of it. First... what is this black sticky stuff that seems to be mostly in the crevices of the leaves at the stem of the plant? Second, is there any other natural non toxic alternative to what I have been using that may be more effective?

[kmarch]

What kind of orchids do you have?

[floridagardner7]

This black stuff is mostly on my largest on my dendrobium, I have quite a few of them...I also have catts and phals. I can send a pic of it if necessary.

[fred]

hi floridagardner7

welcome to the forum

so we can help you with the right advice could you please go to your UserCP at the top left of the page click that and a menu will drop toy will See Edit Profile click that could you please Add your Location to your Profile.
that will also help us to understand your growing conditions as we have members from all over the world with different growing conditions

thank you

[patticake]

Hi! Posting photos always helps. I'm up-north, and fairly new, so I'm no help other than to say welcome! Someone will hop in and help, especially if there's a photo attached. Good luck.

[jbigio]

Welcome sure someone will be able to help once you post pictures

[jay]

floridagardner7, try this site.

pharm solutions

They have an organic pesticide/miticide/fungicide that they claim is safe enough to spray near your animals. It uses food grade natural oils to treat the plants.

Jay

[floridagardner7]

Hi again... thought I had entered this profile info before, just re-entered it now. I thought it was odd when I kept trying to have a profile picture and it wouldn't show on my posts. I am going to attempt to set that up and add some pic's (if I can figure it!) I have to mention that I am not in full form right now, as I am 1 1/2 weeks out of surgery...disctectomy... and in a neck brace for the next 6-7 weeks. I am sleeping off and on odd hours and trying to figure things with taking my meds is needless to say at times fustrating. I am not supposed to be bending, lifting or much of anything for now. Other than being on my computer (how I came accross this site) I am immobile.
So sorry if getting these pics loaded may take me a little bit. Will try to get it done today.

[floridagardner7]

Hooray! I think I got it - photo's attached! Well, since my picture is up with my username, and it seems I have been able to add some pictures to my file... hope they are done right to be viewed. And thank you jay I am going now to pharm solutions site to check it out.

[PhalPal]

I LOVE Pharmsolutions also. You may be able to find it at a good nursery store in your area.
There is a homemade solution that is popular with some members here; it is made with soap/cinnamom extract. I will look for it and attach it if I find it!

Okay! Here it is!
The Dish Soap Recipe

1 tsp. cinnamon extract
5 -10 drops of phosphate free dishsoap, ie: Dove, Dawn, etc.
1 1/2 -2 cups of room temp water

This recipe is excellent for fighting fungi, cleaning leaves and mite teterant. (Add more water, adjust accordingly.)

[floridagardner7]

I just ordered from PharmSol. and it's on it's way, I can't wait to get it. They said I'll have it in 3-5 days. I was spraying down my babies yesterday and noticed I have scales now. Ugh. Seems to be on only one of my den's. I decided to remove that part of it from the planter as it is my largest one and can suffer a small loss I guess. Was very sad though. I read in one of the posts that you should burn the debris from an infected plant. Is this true? Couldn't I just bag it up real tight and move it directly to the outside garbage?

[Tobi]

Originally Posted by floridagardner7

I read in one of the posts that you should burn the debris from an infected plant. Is this true? Couldn't I just bag it up real tight and move it directly to the outside garbage?

In my opinion, you can just seal it and dump it into the trash. We are not
dealing with "Bubonic Plague" here so burning is not necessary. As long as
you are not adding it to a compost pile, this should suffice.

[Cynthia, Prescott, AZ]

Burning is way over kill. Dump in the trash, period.

[floridagardner7]

I figured as much, but you never know so thought I'd check it.