I've been struggling with thrips on my 22 orchids after realizing I skipped proper quarantine when I got them from my boyfriend's late grandma. I'm living in Norway, where systemic treatments are banned, so I'm feeling pretty lost. I've tried separating the plants, repotting, using permetrin spray, and even a mix of green soap, oil, rubbing alcohol, and water. I washed them off like crazy but they keep coming back! I can't find any store with predatory mites available, and the local experts are telling me to just throw my plants away since they couldn't save theirs. Is there any hope for me?
1 Answer
You might want to try neem oil or horticultural soap as a natural way to manage thrips. Plus, sticky traps can work wonders in monitoring and reducing their numbers. Just remember to rinse the leaves and flowers regularly. Keeping them in check might not get rid of them completely but it can help contain the problem for now!
Neem oil and sticky traps are on the way! But is keeping them in check good enough? From what I read, not getting rid of the larvae will lead to an endless battle.