Jack wrote:
Ok, So how do you move the orchids indoors. Do you just NUKE them in
pesticide, keep them away from the indoor plants untill you can be sure
that they don't have anything catching. Or do you have to harden them
up just like when you move them outside?

Jack

Hi jack.

I have a devoted area for my plants. Some stowaways are expected.
It's the quantity and variety that can get interesting. Generally,
aphids, scale, mites, and mealies prefer other plants if available.
Those are rarely the problem with bringing the plants inside. If you
suspect the above, try aspider plant. The nasties seem to prefer it to
orchids and collect on the spider babies. I cut off the spider babies
and bag them to burn or microwave. You may also try a critter magnet
such as a poinsetia and feed it with systemic plant food. It helps.
An infestation of scale and mealies was from new plants, not
quarantined then confining them to the orchid room. I simply got
stupid and in a hurry then.

Don't get me wrong, during the winter I've seen ants, lady bugs,
spiders, preying mantis, and wasps. Ants are the biggest nuisance.
The rest sort of balance out, but then again, only a few are in my main
home.

I pre-treat the area for snails and slugs before taking the plants
outside, repeat during the summer, and again specifically before
bringing them inside for the winter. Now that the weather has
cooled, I turned off the sprinklers (previously set for twice a day)
and water by hand twice a week (an average) or less. The cooler
weather and less water (primarily the catts, cyms, and dendro) helps
signal dormancy or at least a break in cycle. It also prepares them
for the reduced humidity in the average home and if pests like a damp
medium, gives them another excuse to bail.

This is a good time to inventory, inspect and clean the plants. During
the really hot weather, I didn't spray at all. The main orchid zone
has gotten its first spray with Gardensafe Fungicide. It is a
citronene/neem formula. I've had good results with it. It's supposed
to be non-toxic, but the combination will kill and repel insects. I
will repeat that in a week to 10 days.

The day of the move, my plants may be sprayed with pyrethrum or ortho
for roses. Last year I sprayed at the door and moved the plants in
while dripping. (Wear a rain coat and gloves).

If you are averse to harsh or toxic chemicals, try garlic powder or
wintergreen leaves around your orchids. Tell yourself slugs and snails
prefer hosta, aphids prefer roses, and birds and spiders prefer both
pests. After they are inside, observe them carefully and frequently.
Use humidity trays for the orchids' comfort and wash them frequently.
Open windows on pleasant days if you can. Turn the thermostat down at
night. Run a humidifier and a fan. The walls don't have to sweat,
just keep it a little more humid. You will all feel better. If you
rely on a window as your light source, make sure the leaves face the
window or add more light.

It is much easier on the plants to move them inside to a stable
environment than it is to move them outside where the sun is brighter
and the temperatures may still plummet. If the nights are a little
chill, they will appreciate the move.

Best wishes,

Nancy