My Bud has Bugs!

[zuerose]

I went out this morning to check my orchids and the two that have BUDS also have BUGS. They're small and move quickly. I thought maybe mites but I read the post about mites and these are probably too big and move too fast. They're crawling in and out of the closed bud. The bud looks okay and none of the leaves show any damage. Should I be concerned? Are there any beneficial insects? I don't want my first flower to be eaten by a bunch of bugs!

On the bright side, it looks like spring in July out there. My rose bush, gardenia, jathropa tree and the orchids all have buds that could open at the same time.

Thanks for any help! Sue

[chefatplay]

My vandas, which are the only orchids I keep outside, had a ton of ants crawling around the buds and eating the clear "happy juice". They never harmed my flower. I hope this is all you have. Especially here in FL, ants come in all shapes and sizes!

[zuerose]

I think you're right because I went back out there and got one to crawl on my hand. It looks like a sugar ant but moves a helluva lot faster. It doesn't seem to be hurting the plant, so maybe it's okay. I guess I'll find out! I'm very new to orchids so every little thing is an experience and these are my first flowers. You start to care about them like you would a pet. Thanks for your help. Sue

[chefatplay]

What part of SE Florida are you from? I agree with you about these crazy plants. I get up every morning and look them over. I feel it's a small price to pay for their beauty.

[BillC]

Zuerose, I know it is asking a lot, but I wonder if you can get a pic of your bugs? I am into bugs and it would be interesting if I could see what you have!

[Ellen]

I'm not into bugs (at least not on my orchids!), but Bill is right that a pic of the critter is the way to go if you want to have it identified.

[zuerose]

Originally Posted by chefatplay

What part of SE Florida are you from? I agree with you about these crazy plants. I get up every morning and look them over. I feel it's a small price to pay for their beauty.

Sorry - had to leave for work this morning. I live in Cooper City, west of Fort Lauderdale.

It is funny about the orchids because I check them each day too - often more than once. I think I'm still amazed that they're alive! And now two of my plants are getting blooms. At first they were growing like crazy. It seemed like every time I looked at them, the stems were longer. Now it's taking FOREVER for the flowers to appear.

All of my plants are getting more attention because I'm spending more and more time outside. Our yard looks great but the house is suffering because I go outside early Saturday morning "just to pull a few weeds" and suddenly it's time for dinner.

Here's a picture of my neighbor's orchid, which got me interested initially. It was in the yard when he bought the house and didn't even know what it was. I've tried to relieve him of it because he's never home and even tried to buy it, but he hasn't given me an answer. I posted it once before under Newbie Questions so sorry if you've already seen it but it is incredible.

Sue

[zuerose]

yes, I think I can manage that. My good camera, which has a macro setting, is at the repair shop but I'll give it a try with my other camera (which doesn't have a macro setting).

Thanks! It'll be good to know what they are in case I need to get rid of them.

I'll be back...

Originally Posted by BillC

Zuerose, I know it is asking a lot, but I wonder if you can get a pic of your bugs? I am into bugs and it would be interesting if I could see what you have!

[zuerose]

Murphy's Law - no bugs! But I think it's because it rained and the plant is wet. They're probably hiding inside somewhere. I'll get it in the morning.

Sue

Originally Posted by zuerose

yes, I think I can manage that. My good camera, which has a macro setting, is at the repair shop but I'll give it a try with my other camera (which doesn't have a macro setting).

Thanks! It'll be good to know what they are in case I need to get rid of them.

I'll be back...

[kmarch]

From your description, i wonder if they might be thrips. If they're thrips they're fairly easy to get rid of. i've rid myself of them with Safer's Soap (a mild insecticidal soap). You have to do regular applications thouugh because they're small and they hide to avoid the spray. the down side is that they're sucking insects that like flowers. One of their tell-tale signs is if the edges of the flower segments look lightly singed.