AboutWayne King Expertise Any question about orchid culture. I have thirty+ yrs of growing experience,president 2x of our local Orchid Growers Guild,held a position in most all other offices associated with the Guild at one time or another. Head of Orchid judging team for local club meetings and some shows. Member of two Orchid Socities and local Rep.for Mid America Orchid Congress for several yrs.I have in my collection about 800 Orchid plants of all types.
Experience
Past/Present clients Previously an expert on expertcentral.com.
Question Help please! My favorite and best orchid has suddenly developed holes in it's flowers but I can see no sign of any insects. I have experienced mealy bug problems in the past but they didn't cause anything like this and there is no sign of them on this plant. Photos are available but I couldn't see how to attach them to this question. Regards Roger
Answer Roger, thanks for your question. It is likely that an insect called a thrip is responsible. Likely, they hide in the potting mix during the daylight hours and come out to attack the flowers at night. You will need to locate an insecticide that will kill thrips (check the label for its use against thrips and the method of application). When the plant has finished flowering, you will need to repot it in a clean pot and fresh orchid potting mix. Seal the old potting mix in a plastic bag before disponing of it.
