Dendrobium papillio with aphids - help!

[jensoca]

I recently acquired a Den. papillio and today I noticed some aphids on the plant near the leaf axis and on the new growth. I sprayed with a neem oil solution.

Is this sufficient or should I use something else? Should I spray again?

I am a beginner grower and this is my first aphid invasion; just looking for some advice.

Thanks!

[poetiscariot]

Swear at them! Aphids are extremely sensitive to impolite language. At least. . . that's what I claim when people catch me cussing at them in my garden.

No, if they started dropping off, your neem oil is enough. If not, you can also try spraying with a weak solution of dish soap (and you can buy commercially-prepared insecticidal soap if you don't trust yourself to mix it right). Like many pests, aphids lay eggs that will continue to hatch over time, so re-treat your plant every couple days til you see absolutely no more bugs appearing. And spray any plants near the one where you found the aphids, because they spread fast. It's not death, though. Aphids happen. Keep an eye out and your plants should be fine.

And. . . welcome to the forum!

[Jason-UK]

Aphids also hate the smell of Basil so if its a problem that has spread to other orchids maybe worth putting a small pot here and there

Cheers
Jason

[jensoca]

Well it has been a few weeks and I have sprayed twive and now the leaves are all falling off and a few are getting a 'wet' look.

I am starting to get really nervous. I haven't seen any more aphids but I don't think they are gone yet. I will spray one more time to make sure.

I am hoping that maybe someone has some expert advice on what is up with these 'wet' spots on the leaves. Thanks for all the advice already. : )

Thanks - Jennifer

[pavel]

Actually aphids generally only lay eggs with the onset of autumn. Throughout spring and summer they typically give live birth and reproduce parthenogenically.

Aphids are weak creatures, Jen. A weak dish detergent solution is generally sufficient to kill them off. As to your other problem -- pictures would likely be very helpful.

[orcoholic]

I don't know if you did this, but neem or any horticultural oil should not be used during a hot sunny day - it can cause leaf damage.

[kiwiorchids]

I try not to use an oil based solution like Neem, but i have used Neem granules with success before, just sprinkle on the top (only a bit..) and water in once every two days. They also dont like soapy water, so you could just use a spray gun bottle to spray them off

[kiwiorchids]

I don't know if you did this, but neem or any horticultural oil should not be used during a hot sunny day - it can cause leaf damage.

That is correct. I told my dad not to spray the weeping cherry tree to get rid of our black cherry aphid infestation, until dusk, but NO! he couldnt wait we had to look at black foliage for 4 weeks until the new growth came through.

[jensoca]

Will soapy water kill the eggs? I never spray the neem oil in the middle of the day always bright and early in the morning so it has time to dry by the heat of the day and the plant in question is an inside plant. I have it sequestered right now, I haven't seen anymore aphids but I am afraid of the possibility of eggs.

[kiwiorchids]

Well its Autumn over there ae? start with soapy water, and then try using a systematic insecticide (i use Confidor Aerosol Spray-kills Mealy, Scale, Thrips and Aphids in all stages.)