Help!!! Vanda with problems

[elissamiranda]

Me again with orchid problems... =/

Could someone please help me and tell what I did wrong? Got it to bloom but then this happen...

Notice the black unformed buds


close up of one open flower


I'm officially getting frustrated...
Thanks,
Lisa

[elissamiranda]

While taking a closer look to my orchids I found some insects. I wonder if they could be the cause of my problems.

Need help with suggestions on what can I do to eliminate them...

First one is white and it has like three antennas




Second one looks like an ant. It's black and flatter then an ant.


Hope someone can help me =(
thanks,
Lisa

[playtime8978]

The white one looks like a springtail to me but I couldnt be certain and you get different bugs to us over here, spring tails are usually pretty small though and jump about when the pot is tapped or watered and that looks bigger then I have seen and its on the plant hmmmm I really hope someone can help you as I would also love to know what these critters are.

EDITED TO CORRECT MYSELF :- sorry no I have googled the springtails and they are not the same my memory isnt what it was *sigh* good luck finding what these are

[terenh]

uh oh. you have mealy bugs and thrips.
mealy bugs are easy to get rid of: 1. pick them off and squash them, 2. then spray your plant with a mixture of water, 409, and rubbing alcohol, 3. keep checking for a couple of days
thrips on the other hand I have troubles getting rid of but I squish them when I see them and spray my plants with that mixture again

note: that spray mixture only works on contact with the insect, it will not prevent future pests

[elissamiranda]

Thanks to both for the help. I really hope that I can get rid of them.

terenh: Sorry for my ignorance but by 409 you mean the degreaser? Apart from that mixture what do you recommend for regular insecticide?

Thanks again,
Lisa

[terenh]

sorry for the late reply, but yes, the degreaser.
i just mix one part alcohol, one part 409, to three parts water. remember to add the 409 last or it will foam.

personally, i have never tried an actual insecticide, so i hope someone else can answer that for me.