Aphids!!!!

[myxoma]

Dozens and dozens of aphids! arrghhhh .... What is the safest way to get rid of them and not hurt the orchids?

[janet_a]

pick up plant. hold medium in pot with both hands if necessary. hold plant under a firm stream of tepid running water until most of them are gone. then mist down with either worm tea or... there's a recipe on here for dish soap and alcohol; i'm sure someone will bring it to the top....

be prepared to later/rinse/repeat over several weeks; they're tenacious little buggers.

eta: see here The Best Stuff Ever!!!

[jbigio]

Warnings do not use the cinnamon recipe on Masdevallia in bloom or spike they will blast! Learned this the hard way other wise it works fairly well however remember that aphids are literally born pregnant all it takes is one to lay eggs and it’s off to the races. Get a good magnifying glass and check all buds first, blooms then new growths and both sides of leaves. Also they like to hide in flowers. I found that water spray works as good as any chemical or home made spray and there is little chance in losing buds.

[Orchidementia]

I use this on my zygos (aphid magnets) and fuchsias (ditto): 1 part rubbing alcohol 3 parts water 1-2 tbs dish soap or Dr Bronner's peppermint soap. Spray on plant everywhere and let dry; remove by hand any bugs. Don't rinse. Can be used on flowers as well as leaves.