Discussions

Did anyone get an orchid for Valentine's Day (or last week) from Walmart? The sign is XOXO Hugs and Kisses and the orchids are in cute little cups with two sheep kissing or other cute little animals on them.  
 
Be careful in placing these orchids next to your other plants. Look carefully on and under all leaves.  
 
One of the two I received as a gift for Valentine's has mealy bugs. These little soft bodied fuzzy bugs are hard to get rid of if let to multiply. I found two mealy bugs on the underside of the leaves.  
 
Beware, check carefully. Better safe than sorry.

Nothing says I love you like giving someone bugs.  
Just kidding. I am sure it was not done on purpose.

My fiance definitely did not on purpose give me an orchid with mealy bugs. It is a beautiful orchid and as we grow hundreds of other plants here he knows that I also know how to get rid of them.  
 
As for the mealy bugs I use a pair of glasses that I can see VERY closely with, some dental instruments and very thoroughly and methodically inspect each and every leaf, removing any insects I find. I do this every day for a few weeks. I had a cactus with mealy bugs a few years ago. It took a few weeks for the mealy bugs to be found and destroyed but the cactus has been bug free now for years.  
 
Just want others to be aware as mealy bugs can pose to be a really bad bug to get on your houseplants. So, if you know of anyone who got mini orchids last week, please have them inspect their plant!!!!