I meant to start this as a new thread, but somehow it became a part of the
old "Preemptive Critter and Crud Prevention" topic. I tried cancelling the
other message. If you get it twice, please accept my apologies .

Mariana

"Matthew Donadio" wrote in message
...

I know my lesson now. I only buy from a few growers who I trust...


One of the Phal species that I recently aquired (more correctly, my husband
got for me for my birthday) arrived mounted, in what appeared as great
shape.
A Phal minus, with 3 leaves, with it's roots clinging to the cork board. In
less than a day, the roots detached from the cork. They didn't appear
shriveled or damaged, in fact, quite plump green, and a healthy mess of
roots. It just detached maybe because of the way I watered it the first
time (I let it sit in a bucket of rainwater for 10 minutes). I decided to
remount it on a new piece of cork literally identical in size and appearnce
to the one that it was attached to. As I peeled off the Phal, I discovered
what appeared to be a farm of mealy bugs! Sworming thriving, large and
healthy looking mealy bugs! Of course I immediately prepared an alcohol
bath! literally dunked the entire plant in a soup bowl full of 70% rubbing
alcohol! took it out and they were gone! I repeated the treatment 3 times
for the next week. Needless to say, I instantly moved it into solitary
confinement where it's still is. It has five healthy looking leaves, it has
two spikes, two buds on each. One bud filled up nicely but I suspect that
it will blast. You see, this morning, when I did my daily watering of the
mounted Phals, I once again discovered that this little fellow is under
attack. Four mealy bugs were hanging out on the flower bud! Before you ask,
I've inspected the rest of the orchids VERY closely, with my husband's
magnifying glass, so far so good... knock on wood ....Oh yeah... the
reason that I am telling you all this, is because this Phal minus was a
gift, it is precious, and well, I love it ...and it was purchased from a
very well known, very respected, and trusted orchid vendor!

Mariana