Snails and Cattleya Orchids!

[jrfehon]

I had to sphag and bag one of my cattleyas today and noticed a small snail under the base of the plant. Then I noticed that some of my other catts have scars on the surface roots, which looks like bite marks from snails. I do summer my orchids outside so it's not a suprise I guess. What should I do? Can I spray Physan 20 on the roots? Some are beginning to grow new roots, would Physan kill the new growth?

[Halloamey]

Snails are no. 1 on my enemy list. And no matter what you do they keep returning. People use beer baits, cucumbers etc or some even hand pick them. I have found only one successful option using ferric phosphate or metaldehyde baits. They are certainly killed by that.

[espranch]

Number one on my list, also Amey. I hate snails! I do hand pick them off then do the beer bait thing and they all drown..LOL! Betty :-)

[jrfehon]

Thanks for the suggestions. If I have snails they're all under the bark.

[Halloamey]

You should spread these bait pellets in your grow areas, and also where you have found damage. The snails will be drawn to the bait, will eat it and then die. I spread mine in the corners in the greenhouse also under a few pots and places that stay constantly wet, this is the place where these critters like to hide.

[mujacko2002]

some people would spray beer on their orchids to keep off snails

[remo]

I pour old coffee thru the pots. They can not take the caffeine. It is one of the only substances that will penetrate the slime layer and jack up their nervous system. It works well with anything I grow outside. I also pick thru the pots. unpotting and checking the roots around the sides of the pot will usually yield a few small slugs which have hatched since the last coffee flooding. It is an ongoing battle! Best of luck! Remo...

[Cjcorner]

I pour old coffee thru the pots. They can not take the caffeine. It is one of the only substances that will penetrate the slime layer and jack up their nervous system. It works well with anything I grow outside. I also pick thru the pots. unpotting and checking the roots around the sides of the pot will usually yield a few small slugs which have hatched since the last coffee flooding. It is an ongoing battle! Best of luck! Remo...

Hmm, I don't drink coffee but I have some that has been around for guests (and it's old). I'll have to try that. The new house has more huge snails...I find their shells when i'm gardening. They are the size of a quarter.

[Halloamey]

Thats a good idea Remo ! Should try that out. How much do you dilute your coffee? And are there any effects on plants, a nicotine also a neuro stimulant in animals has similar effects on plants.

[Gin]

I use coffee, very strong (dregs) stored in a coffee can till there is enough or boil the used grounds . I don't dilute it at all . Off an on potato slices are placed on the mix if any show up on it they get a coffee high.
I use this for the little bush snails . Not seen any large ones outside at all .
When we lived on the river slugs were the battle, rock salt around the foundation of the greenhouse kept them out ..