Mealie Bugs and other pests

With my new greenhouse, I have understaken a new regime: I "spritz" everything early in the morning (especially the cuttings I am rooting) and sometimes, also, in the afternoon. We don't have a misting system, which would be ideal. OH, what a wonderful thing a misting system would be, Norma!!!!

As has been my suspicioun...I do not have mealies, aphids, scale or spider mites BECAUSE I keep them moist. BG -(Before Greenhouse) I grew my hoyas in another, more open greenhouse, AND under the eaves of the house, in my shower...you name it. I found that the plants that did not get rained on, got the bugs.

Aphids are another issue...they do live thru rain...but controlling the ants as I do, I have not had aphids.

Even the few hoyas that still live in my shower... I now spritz them every afternoon when I shower...they are a H. heuschkeliana and a H. lacunosa...and no mealie bugs.

I really feel that the "secret" is the constant moisture....I do not like to use systemic insecticide...nor sprays...and the fact that water will help take care of these issues really helps.

Hi Carol,

Do you mean in your shower stall inside your home where the heuschkeliana and lacunosa are located?

I tend to agree with you about misting anyway. It really helps. I still have problems, tho! The Dawn, vegetable oil, alcohol, water regime is helping too. All I know is when I tend to ignore my hoyas, their problems become worse. It's as if they're vying for my attention!

Susan

Yep...they hang in the shower...and when I am waiting for the water to turn hotter, I dunk them...every day. They love it!

If i had my dream shower stall, thats would i would have....a row of hoyas on a great big ledge so they can shower with me!.....thats a good idea Carol....my shower stall right now wont accommodate me and the plants....things we do for humidity for these guys!...

Sandy

Humidiy is the key for good growth, the leaves must not be allowed to dry out. That sparitioides (spelling) is growing like gang buster. I think the even consistant temps, and moisture may be the key. I don't have ant either. Yet X my fingers. I use 409 on them, and they are gone right now.

Congratulations on the new greenhouse. They certainly are pleasure. I also have a large overhang, lathhouse they don't get pests there either. But we are very dry here, I keep the damp, not wet, and the leaves are misted twice daily.
I have six of them in flower at this time, and they will be brought Sunday to the program.
I will give each a water meter, and a cutting for them to try and root. I just want it to be a fun program, If they go to sleep I start talking about sex of the plants, that always gets their attention. I have really studied for this, and wrote out a draft to follow. Norma