Question
Hi wayne

I have two beautiful phalaenopsis orchids planted in a glass vase with moss which I received as a gift about 8 months ago... about a month ago, one of the branches started to get covered in what looks like white fluff and it has now spread to the other plant.  The fluff doesn't appear to have affected the blooms which are still growing.  The leaves are still fine.  What is it and how do I get rid of it?

Many thanks

Answer
Marisa, it is likely that the "White fluff" is a colony of sucking insects called mealy bugs.  I recommend a three step approach to treatment.  First, use a cotton swab soaked in rubbing alcohol to remove those that are visible.  Then you will need to pull each plant from its vase and moss and treat it with either of the two insecticides "Eight" or "Merit".  This is done after removing all of the moss clinging to its roots.  You will need a bag of orchid potting mix and  clean plastic pots for repotting.  Spray the entire plant thoroughly before repotting it in fresh mix.  Discard the moss that it was in and clean the glass vase thoroughly inside and out.  The pot should have plenty of air holes in the bottom to allow air through to the roots.  Remove any "mushy" roots as they are dead.  Note, if you want to enjoy the flowers until they are done, then just remove any visisble insects from the plant using the soaked cotton swab and postpone the other steps until after the flowers being to fade.