Question
Hello,

I hope you can help without a picture.  We have 6 orchids 1 in brand new and one was just a stick and we got it to grow but it has flowered as of yet.  The other ones have spots looks like something is eating the leaves there are large brown spots and circular holes.  One of the buds that have not bloomed yet have little holes.  I looked at them closely and do not see any bugs but I do see little black specks that could maybe be a bug but I am not sure.  Is there something that we can use to get rid of what is wrong?  We live in Florida.  They are outside by the pool.

Answer
Hello Denise,

Living in Florida, you have quite a few insects that can cause the damage you described.  Afraid I don't recall the names but have heard about them from others living in Florida - more like horror stories! (grin)  What these frieds have done is enclose their orchids within a tightly enclosed screen area, spray the orchids with a general insecticide several times a year when those bugs are most active, along with using a systemic insecticide that is recommended for orchids.  Doing all of this, they have been able to keep them at bay.  You can continue to leave them out by the pool but you will have to double your efforts to keep them under control.  

Hope this has helped.

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, Ca.