Help i have an infestation

[Mallardman]

So today I was checking my orchids After watering them and on a seed pod that Was developing I fund a bunch of cotton colored fluff so I wipw it off and discover its a bunch of bugs ewwww. So I ask you how do I treat this keep in mind that the plant is pregnant.

[digitalgate]

mealy bug. just hand pick them out and rinse with water and continue to watch for
reinfestation. It is the easiest type of pest to get rid off. You are fine.

[PhalPal]

I would separate your orchid and make sure that those near it do not have the same problem. I use pharm solutions/cinnamon on everything; it doesn't hurt buds. Brooke has a tried and true similiar solution she makes at home. I'll try to find the thread for you.
I would make it but just can't seem to find cinnamon extract anywhere, go figure.

[Sassismom]

I disagree, I think they are awful to try and get rid of, but that's just my own opinion. The cinnamon extract does seem to be working though, but I still have to keep on top of them.

[articuno75]

Mealies like to hide in every crook and crany of the plant. You have to be vigilant with these. Here is the thread for the cinnamon recipe.

Cheryl~ I wouldn't think for mealies, but you might have to make the recipe a wee bit stronger.

[PhalPal]

Thanks Jenny!!! I could not find it, mostly because I would get to reading all the stuff I have missed in the past few months.
Our WalMart does not have cinnamon extract; any suggestions???? Pharm Solutions costs me alot, not only the stuff itself but the place I have to go to get it is gardening heaven. That little bottle of Pharm ends up costing me $100 minimum!!!

[articuno75]

Here is a website that I found where you can buy just about every extract that you can think of. They also sell pure oils too.

[Celcat]

Originally Posted by PhalPal

I would make it but just can't seem to find cinnamon extract anywhere, go figure.

I have exactely the same problem I have been looking in UK and in France... nothing sniff sniff
I wonder if the powder would work???

[Rishad Kalarikkal]

I have not tried cinnamon extract.But I have decided to experiment by boiling cinnamon in some water, and to use the water by filtering away the traces of cinnamon to spray on my plants.My Grandmother told me she used to do this to vegetables when she was young.Im growing a cinnamon plant.Hope It would be useful when it matures.

[tizzycat]

Celcat, I have also been looking for the extract in the uk.

Plenty of capsules but not liquid. I'll let you know if I come up with anything.

[Celcat]

Originally Posted by tizzycat

Celcat, I have also been looking for the extract in the uk.

Plenty of capsules but not liquid. I'll let you know if I come up with anything.

Yes, plenty capsule ... I have even been to this Health stores, it is where I found this cinnamon capsule. I still dont really see why the cinnamon powder would not work but I will try Rishad's solution meantime that you or I find this extract.

[Mallardman]

is there anydanger to the seed pod? Because I found them on there. Should I re pot after the seed is extracted? (I'm going to extract the seed anyway in 2 weeks).

[patticake]

I think your seed capsule should be fine. I just dab at them with a Q-Tip dipped in rubbing alcohol. I check every day for a few weeks, and hit them whenever I see them.

[glossterline]

Have you considered using a systemic insecticide on the plants? I have mentioned this in the newbie section already, but mealy bugs are difficult to eradicate. I do not doubt that regular manual removal and wiping with various solutions will effect some control.
However, attacking the bugs via their weakest link is very effective, and that is by their feeding strategy. They are liquid feeders and by spraying your plants with a systemic insecticide based on 'IMIDACLOPRID', they will ingest the chemical and die. A couple of treatments will be necessary to catch their hatching eggs.
I have used this preparation on Phals and Odontocium plants and it does not harm the orchids.

Les