Neem Oil

[atcrosby]

Several weeks ago, I took a Phalaenopsis 'rescue' to a greenhouse specializing in Orchids to see if this plant was salvagable. It turned out the person had overwatered the plan but a little root nub was sticking out at the top. We repotted it and I'm happy to say three weeks later it's now growing a new leaf on top indicating the roots are starting to grow.

While I was in the green house enjoying his late bloomers (they are stragglers, not forced), they cleaned off the leaves with something. I would like to do that to all my phals in that the leaves were shiny and bright. What did they use? Or the question should be what can I use to achieve the same effect?

Also, I have heard a tons of information on Neem Oil. What is that?

[Cynthia, Prescott, AZ]

Neem is a pesticide, fungicide, and bacteriacide and comes from the neem plant (tree?). Sounds pretty good, and it is. Neem is good for mites which many pesticides aren't, and it kills the eggs of pests. Because of the fungicide/bacteriacide qualities, you can use it in the evening when it is cool. BUT, you must keep the plant out of strong light and warm temps for a day or so. I am unable to use it in my greenhouse right now because the current heat wave is making it impossible to lower the temperature enough. People in Florida have problems too. If you aren't careful, you will get a mottled pattern of chlorophyll on the leaves.

Why don't you call the green house where you saw this stuff being used? Cynthia