Sigh. I keep looking at my window garden, but the skirmishes with the spider mites have escalated into war, and my garden has been flattened. Only a few leaves have been allowed to remain, sprayed down with stuff that will kill my carefully tended microbial colonies, and possibly the sundews and flytraps. Not a single pitcher plant leaf is left, and one had been producing long awaited seed, while the other had a budding flower. Sigh.
@tippitiwichet Oh dear 😕
@gemswinc Most of it should survive. Those pitcher plants have lived through so much, I'm sure they'll make it. And the lucky clover and pink dandelions. Those are pretty much weeds, though the pink ones seem more delicate than local species. Fingers crossed.
Also, Morty's tank wasn't sprayed, so some of the microbial life I cherish so much can be sprinkled on the pots after the war is won.
@tippitiwichet It sounds like you have it under control, glad to hear it!
@tippitiwichet @LnzyHou Yes, there are a few species of spider mites that can be problematic for orchids, especially thin leaved ones.
I’m very careful to check for mites before bringing in new/used orchid. Had them once. Treated leaves with rubbing alcohol applied by spray or Q tip.
@LnzyHou Okay, I'll go ahead and wipe them down with my mix then. Thank you :)
Look closely where leaves join. They hide there. Isolate plants that are infected. Mites will jump to other plants.
@LnzyHou Been thinking about it, and we have a road trip coming up. We were going to pay a neighbor to tend to the plants, but since I have to prune them down this much, I'll go ahead and transplant everyone. I'll wash the plants off with a gentle brush, then put them in travel sized containers with sterilized soil. I can scrub one of my small shelves and move it into the bedroom. The plant area can sit empty until we get back. No idea how long we will be. Even the frog will come.
My orchids have to be watered weekly. I pay in good chocolate.
Hey, @LnzyHou I just wiped off the vanilla leaves, they don't seem like they are prone to them. However, I do have lousy eyes, so I figured I'd ask you if orchids get spider mites.