Question
I have several cattleya, vanda, and dendrobium orchids that spend late spring, summer, and early fall outside under partial shade here in Virginia.  As soon as night temps drop below 50 degrees I bring them into the insulated garage and treat twice with insecticidal soap (over a week or so) before bringing them inside the house for overwintering.

My first question is do I continue my monthly fertilizer regime (Schultz orchid food) and if so do I need to dilute the strength.  And a related question, several of my orchids started spiking or putting out sheaths at this time so what is your opinion about fertilizing orchids getting ready to bloom.

Lastly, after I brought the orchids inside I found slugs and grayish purple bugs in the potting mix.  I've soaked the pots in water for half an hour to be able to 'pick' these bugs as I don't want to use any type of insecticide inside the house.  What type of systemic treatment can I use next summer to limit the number of or eliminate these pests that eventually make it into the house?  I realize that the soap has to make actual contact with the pest in order to have an effect.

Thank you for your kind assistance!

Answer
Hello Corrine,

Treating your orchids prior to bringing them into the house is a very good idea!  You don't want to bring in any hitchhikers along.  (grin)

Yes, continue to feed them but at about half what you had been giving them.  Also, be mindful of watering while indoors, depending upon where you keep them and how warm you keep the house will influence how slowly or quickly the dry out.  It is okay to feed orchids preparing to bloom, they still need to be fed to maintain their energy levels for the flowers.  

I use a slug and snail bait that contains iron phosphate because it is safe to use around children (grand) and pets.  Depending upon the type of bugs you have would determine what kind of insecticide to use.  For chewing and sucking insects it is best to use a systemic insecticide that is recommended for orchids.  For just plain creepy/crawly insects you can use a general purpose product.  

Hope this helped.

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, Ca.