Incoming Bugs & Quick Orchid Notes

Brrr..... it's pretty cool in this part of Ontario, especially for very early fall.  By now, you should be moving the tropical plants that you put outside for the summer, back indoors. At least start to condition them for re-entry into the not-so-great indoors.
     It is very likely that your plants residing in their outdoors summer location have picked up a few residents of their own. Check your plants for bugs and treat them as necessary.
     Last week, we had a customer bring into our shop an overgrown Boston fern and an overgrown Spider plant. Both were in need of dividing, and this is what she wanted us to do. We did this immediately, partly to provide good customer service and partly to get them out of my shop as soon as possible.
     While getting to know these plants intimately, I captured a couple of pill bugs which isn't too hard to do; but I still didn't want them wandering into my shop of healthy, happy, beautiful tropical plants, that are indeed for sale. The planters this customer was using were the self-watering kind and a hiding mosquito emerged from the water reserve well in the pot.
     Neither of these bugs are very threatening to the health of your tropical plants; but the point is  Check Your Incoming Plants for Bugs. If these bugs had have been spider mites, mealy bugs, fungas gnats or scale, the result could have been much more severe. Left undetected in September or October, these pests would have multiplied many times over by January and February when they would finally be discovered, everywhere.
     We sell more insecticide products in February than any other month. So, Check Your Incoming Plants for Bugs!


Quick Orchid Notes : The  2013 Orchid Show and Sale is presented by the Central Ontario Orchid Society this coming weekend Saturday, Sept 28 and Sunday, Sept 29 in Cambridge, Ontario. For more information, visit their website at www.coos.ca   

There are thousands of different types of orchids, so a very hard

question to easily answer is "How do you care for an orchid?"  The 7 major types of orchids available for consumer sales are Phalaenopsis, Cattleya, Oncidium, Dendribium Phalaenopsis, Cymbidium, Paphiopedilum and Vanda. Wherever you buy your orchid, ask the seller to identify the type and tell you how to care for it.

The type of orchid most commonly sold is the Phalaenopsis, These plants with the magnificent, large, long-lasting, coloured blooms grow well in average home temperatures and light conditions. These are an excellent orchid for beginners to grow. Phalaenopsis ( the Moth Orchid) account for more than 75% of all orchids sold.

1. The roots should be slightly damp all of the time; but not allowed to sit in water.
2. They thrive in humid conditions - 50% or higher.
3. Average nighttime temperature of 65 degrees F. Daytime 70 degrees F.
4. Low to medium light.
5. Should be repotted every 1-3 years with a porous potting material.
6. Fertilize regularly during blooming periods.

"How do you care for an orchid?" These are just a few quick notes about the Phalaenopsis orchid to give you an idea of the care required. Other types of orchids may require different care, so, wherever you buy your orchid, ask the seller to identify the type and tell you how to care for it.

One Last Thought - What is the most important factor that you should consider when purchasing a new tropical plant for your home? Linda will be addressing that at her talk on October 1 at the Salvation Army Heart & Home meeting. I would like to know your thoughts. Please send a comment in the space below.