Thursday, February 10, 2011

Recovered Orchid

Phaleanopsis or the Moth Orchid is a pretty easy variety of orchid for most people to grow and maintain in their homes.  They do not require special lighting or misting.   They just need sufficient light in a east or north window and regular household temperatures.   I had five orchids growing in a north facing window a year ago.   One of them (a present from a well meaning husband) came into the house with a hidden pest.   In the leaves was a  nasty little pest called the mealybug.  By the time I found it and identified it the pest had invaded the other orchids.   The flowers dropped off my very healthy plants and the leaves all withered up and died.  It was a mess.   I had to throw out one of the orchids.  I could not bring it back.  Three more are putting on new growth and one looks like I may have to dispose of it too.   Some time back in a copy of Horticulture Magazine was a tip to try of placing a teaspoon of Dr.Bronner’s Peppermint soap in a quart spray container and giving the orchids a good spray every other day.   I found the soap in an Organic grocery store.   Dr. Bronner’s soaps are pure castile soap with no additives.   I have been using it on the orchids and just this week I was rewarded with a small yellow bloom on one of the orchids.  I am thrilled.
new orchid bud
 partially-open-orchid-for-w

orchid-open-for-web
I will have another bloom in a few days.   I am just happy to see that one of the orchids has recovered but I must be ever vigilant to check them every few days for signs of infestation again.
I am joining Tootsie for Fertilizer Friday where we get a chance to flaunt the flowers we grow.  I am also joining Laura for Macro Friday.     I hope that you have a wonderful weekend.   Valerie

27 comments:

Beth said...

Your orchid is so very pretty! You say it's easy...hmmmm...perhaps I could try it someday. I always worry about houseplants in that I fear my kitty will eat them. I have few plants inside, but many outside (covered by snow at present!)
Blessings, Beth

Natalie said...

So glad you saved it! I wish I had a green thumb so I could have plants and a well groomed lawn but I have the worst luck with plants and landscaping period :)

deb duty said...

These are lovely photos. The second one is my favorite.

Anonymous said...

Gorgeous photos. Great macro.

Courtney said...

Love the second shot. Glad you were able to save it!

Anonymous said...

I love that shade of green, its so fresh and springy!

Buckeroomama said...

Good luck with the rest of your orchids. :) We had plenty of phalaenopses when we still had our "family" of orchids, but we had to give each and every one away, including the exotic ones we got back from Bali and Thailand :( We're hoping to start our collection of orchids again when the kids get older.

Judith @ Lavender Cottage said...

Hi Val
There's something to be said for old time remedies.
Awesome macro shots.
Judith

Darla said...

Peppermint is good for some many things.....Orchids make me nervous.

Simon said...

Orchids are so stunning. I don't know the first thing about gardening, but I appreciate the results. That middle shot...wow.

Olivia said...

these are really lovely!

Anonymous said...

So lovely! The orchid is one of my favorite flowers. Thanks for sharing this.

Lisa

Anonymous said...

So lovely! The orchid is one of my favorite flowers. Thanks for sharing this.

Lisa

Gina Kleinworth said...

WOW- love that progression!

Evelyn S. said...

I love these; I've tried to keep orchids several different times, but have so little natural light. HOWEVER, I do have a large north-facing window in my living room. Maybe it's time to work out a shelf behind the love seat and try the orchids again. These shots are so delicate and so beautiful.

Karen said...

Excellent photography! The orchid is so lovely, I have never grown them. I' m sorry to hear mealy bugs attacked, not a fun pest. Glad to hear you were able to find a remedy.

Bethany said...

Really pretty shots!

Unknown said...

Oh my goodness. This is so gorgeous. WOW! I am so happy for you.

A Garden of Threads said...

Dr. Bronner's soap works very well. It looks very healthy. Fabulous shots Val.

Bren Haas said...

I recently got my first orchid so it is wonderful to find your article about the treasured bloom. I will for sure come back for more inspiration.

Happy Fertilize Friday

Janice said...

Mmmm...lovely orchid shots. I, too, am a fan of orchids. I enjoyed your tulip photos from Tuesday as well. Such a vibrant red!

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful story of revival! And stunning pictures to go with it, too!

Donna said...

fabulous, gorgeous flower...thx for sharing this special post

Carolyn said...

The orchid is beautiful-love the color. You got some great shots of it.
I love to hear of natural treatments for bugs etc.

Have a great weekend,

Carolyn

Georgianna said...

Hi Val! I love your new look! And I'm so happy that your orchids are recovering. That is very gratifying after the stress of losing one. Have a wonderful Sunday. – g

Jill Harrison said...

what a beautiful little orchid - I have never seen one. How wonderful to be able to bring them "back from the brink".

Tootsie said...

they are just so beautiful! I just got my first orchids...they are going to give me a run for my money I'm sure!

Hoping You Have a Blessed Easter