/ Register

Welcome to OrchidsForum.com. We are a friendly online community for Orchid Growers all over the world. If you haven't joined yet we invite you to register and join our community. Hope to see you on our forums!

Getting plants up to optimum growing

Discussion in 'Issues, Disease and Pests' started by Karen, Mar 23, 2009.

  1. Mar 23, 2009 #1
    Karen

    Karen Species nut

    Messages:
    2,559
    Likes Received:
    20
    Location:
    Southern California
    So, I haven't been living where my plants are for over 6 months. They're growing OK, but need some TLC. I need to clean under the benches, treat for bush snail, treat at least one bench for mealy bugs, and do some virus testing.

    I was planning on cleaning under the benches, and watering really well for a week. Then treating the whole collection with Merit, 3 times, 7-10 days apart. Then using the SluggIt to treat for bush snail, and really letting the collection dry, to get the best kill rate on the snails.

    Any suggestions???

    It's a mixed collection of species, growing outdoors in the LA area.

    TIA!
     
  2. Mar 23, 2009 #2
    Forrest

    Forrest Really Neat

    Messages:
    2,300
    Likes Received:
    27
    Location:
    Northern California
    If it were me, I would start the Merit first and simultaneously spread some sluggo. Then once you get things cleaned, go ahead with the sluggit. I would have that done before my second application of Merit, ie only wait a day or two. If the plants are already stressed then just get the pests knocked out as fast as possible. If you have infestations your plants will not thrive until that is dealt with.
     
  3. Mar 23, 2009 #3
    Marni

    Marni Well-Known Member Staff Member Supporting Member

    Messages:
    13,779
    Likes Received:
    3,577
    Location:
    Santa Rosa, CA
    The Merit is systemic and I don't think treating 3 times that close together is necessary. Maybe once with Merit and then a follow up (or two) with Enstar. Then in a month, another treatment with Merit if there is still anything moving. I've found that Merit takes care of everything but some mealybug and keeps working for months.
     
  4. Mar 23, 2009 #4
    Karen

    Karen Species nut

    Messages:
    2,559
    Likes Received:
    20
    Location:
    Southern California
    The good news is, I only see signs of mealybug on 1 bench, that isn't close to any of the others!
     
  5. Mar 23, 2009 #5
    Jon

    Jon Mmmm... bulbophyllum...

    Messages:
    4,437
    Likes Received:
    107
    Location:
    Denver CO, USA
    Treat the whole collection. It isn't going to harm the plants, and mealies have been known to wander.
     
  6. Mar 23, 2009 #6
    mrbreeze

    mrbreeze Anglican Supporting Member

    Messages:
    1,362
    Likes Received:
    35
    Location:
    Oklahoma
    Keep an eye out for mites after using the Merit.
     
  7. Apr 2, 2009 #7
    Forrest

    Forrest Really Neat

    Messages:
    2,300
    Likes Received:
    27
    Location:
    Northern California
    are your plants still alive?
     
  8. Apr 3, 2009 #8
    Karen

    Karen Species nut

    Messages:
    2,559
    Likes Received:
    20
    Location:
    Southern California
    LOL!
    Growing well, but could be doing better!
    Merited last week. Sent samples off for virus testing yesterday.
    Enstar tomorrow.
    :D
    I'm winning!
    And the Cynorkis gibbosa has started to grow!
    Yeah!
     
  9. Apr 3, 2009 #9
    Forrest

    Forrest Really Neat

    Messages:
    2,300
    Likes Received:
    27
    Location:
    Northern California
    glad to hear it. keep at it lady.