Debi,

I recently had spider mites and it was recommended to me by Jerry at Orchids
Limited to use an insecticidal soap to kill them. Use once a week for three
weeks. Don't spray the buds. It caused the buds on a phal of mine to blast
(wilt and drop off).

Check the labels on insecticides for use on orchids and whether it is for
spider mites. The soap is safer.

Bob
"Debi JS" wrote in message
news:nAmme.94$Zt.15@okepread05...
Al and Rambler,

Thanks so much for the advice! I have submerged the pots/medium the
cymbidiums were growing in for a good soak, and have washed and repotted
them in fresh medium. I had already wiped the leaves on the other plants.
I will apply an insecticide after a trip to the store.

I appreciate your help.

Debi

"Al" wrote in message
...
If the mites are this bad you should go to a garden/nursery store and
pick up something to spray them with. Most insecticides that are
available in you area will have a list of insects that they kill. Most
will not be labeled for orchids, but many have a general catch-all term
"Ornamental plants". Anything that kills mites on Roses, would be
helpful and easy to find. Follow the label directions regarding. Pay
attention to repeat application cycle times.

The exudate on new growths and flower buds is normal on cattleya.
However, mite infestation can also make it happen.

I have a horrible infestation of spider mites in my yard, and they
apparently spread to my cymbidiums which I was growing on a patio.