35+ Orchids in Bloom & Pest Struggles Recap | This is where I’m at.

35+ orchid species and hybrids in bloom, tons of thrips and spidermites - 2022 had it all. Enjoy a recap of an entire year of windowsill orchid growing and struggles.
My partner and I have created an App for the iPhone called „Orchid Collection“. Keep detailed track of your orchid collection and its value on the go and when meeting other orchid friends. Well organized and always available on your iPhone. Add new orchids with your own pictures and notes including details. It’s available on the App store now: appsto.re/de/-...
Learn more about the Orchid Collection app in my Walkthrough and FAQ video: • Orchid Collection App ...

[@evergreen8965]

You always had the most gorgeous collection. I am sorry about the bugs.

[@kathymacomber5115]

We really have missed you

[@bumblebeesorchids3408]

Thanks a lot, Kathy. Happy growing and happy 2023. :)

[@suzisaintjames]

I know how devastating and depressing an infestation can become. One thing I noticed over the years of growing plants is air circulation. At one time, I had over 100 African Violets, many from cuttings. When I had my cutting pots lined up edge to edge under a foil tent with 24 hour lights and no real air circulation, I had terrible mealy bugs and some spider mites. Once I put a gentle breeze on them and lots of dabs of alcohol (probably on 2 or 3 applications), my problem disappeared. I think a gentle breeze from a fan will help you keep pest free. Rick L Orchids swears by calcium supplements for orchids. He says that since he started to use a lot of calcium, his orchids don't get pests. I believe he grows indoors as well as out. And of course his outdoor plants get exposed to a lot of pests but also a lot of air circulation without any infestation. 💕🌞🌵😷

[@honeylamb23]

Your collection is simply gorgeous, 🐝! I’m so sorry for your exhausting battle with pests 😔 but your plants doggedly want to bloom for you nonetheless. You’re a wonderful grower and we’ve learned so much from you through the years!

[@bumblebeesorchids3408]

Thank you so much for your kind words, Sara. 🐝 :) Happy growing and happy 2023 in advance. :)

[@marlenekorsgaard2462]

What a Nice Bloom show. Thank you 🙏- I use leaf shine against thrips, which works for me. Be careful of spraying the crown. 😁🥰

[@orchidquest]

Hoping you are feeling well, Bumblebee. Take care of you, but know you are missed. 💜

[@bumblebeesorchids3408]

I am, thank you very much for your kind words, Deborah! I hope you are well, too. Happy springtime! :)

[@lindabaker6034]

How nice to know your still alive and growing your plants. You sound tired so take care of yourself. I miss your videos and seeing all your beautiful plants.

[@weluvorchids7928]

Hi, miss your videos that are so soothing, and your collection is so beautiful! Just subscribed... I though my husband and I were already. Hope to see more recent videos soon. Be safe. We Luv Orchids 🐝

[@wandashaw3551]

Hello Bumble Bee, i am so very happy to see you and that you are well. I am sorry that you have to go through this pest infestation, I can only imagine the pure frustration. As plant parents we can only do what we can to keep our collection healthy and happy. Your plants look lovely despite the pest's issue. Here's wishing you a very happy and healthy New Year and good luck with your collection.

[@sandrag8656]

Dear Bumblebee, I am so happy to hear your voice and to see your orchids on my screen again. I missed you. 2022 must have been a challenging year for you, (as it was for many of us). I wish from now on the throubles are over and only joy remains. I had a mealy-bug and scale infestation many years ago, too. At the same time I got pregnant, had to move house etc., and did not treat my orchids with insecticides often enough. This killed nearly all of my orchids and for years I lost interest. Later, in calmer times, my interest arouse again. My collection did not become that big anymore, and I had some trouble with spidermites and thrips at one time, but this time treatment was sucessful. Now every new plant is quaratained for some weeks. I am enjoing my orchids so much now! Wish the same for you. 💞

[@bumblebeesorchids3408]

Thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful comment, Sandra. I’m sorry so hear you lost many orchids and I get an idea why you lost interest in them for years. I‘m glad calmer times have now come and I wish you the same: that from now on the troubles are over and only the joy remains. 🌱 Happy growing and a healthy 2023 in advance!

[@sandrag8656]

@@bumblebeesorchids3408 Thank you so much for your kind reply!💕❤💖🌺

[@bumblebeesorchids3408]

🙏☺️🍀🌸🌱

[@mariakarathanasi9799]

Hiiii there sooooo good to hear your lovely voice again. Beautiful video and hope you will be put out some more. And for the thrips i used hairspray and it really helped, but don’t get too close about 20 cm. Good luck.

[@patricialux6197]

Well hello! I don't know if you'll see this, I just decided to watch some of your videos again and was so happy🎉❤🎉to see this recent post. Welcome back, I hope you're back regularly- ish. 😅 please!!

[@bumblebeesorchids3408]

Hi Patricia, thank you so much for rewatching my videos. I plan on posting again ... let's be realistic: sometime this year. :D Happy spring and happy growing! :)

[@FernandaNascimentoOrchids]

In spite of all issues with those nasties you could show us so many beautiful blooms. Your orchids are real fighters and survivors. Thank you for a lovely vídeo ❤️❤️❤️

[@bumblebeesorchids3408]

Thank you very much, Fernanda. I was impressed with their endurance this year, their fighters indeed. Happy growing and a happy and healthy 2023 in advance!

[@orchidsbythelake]

Pests happen, Life happens… here comes 2023🎉 Good to see you back.

[@bumblebeesorchids3408]

Exactly. :) Happy growing and happy 2023 in advance!

[@christinenorton2510]

What a lovely surprise to see you again, I thought we'd lost you. I think 2022 is the year of the bug, most of us got hit it's so frustrating. Take care,don't give up,all will be well. Happy Christmas.

[@bumblebeesorchids3408]

Thank you, Christine. I'll keep my fingers crossed we'll all be able to nurse our affected plants back to health. Happy growing, happy Christmas and a happy&healthy New Year in advance! :)

[@samuelbunicic9430]

Finally, we really miss you! Nice to see your orchids and you.😃

[@ravlyksorchidsgarden]

So many beautifull orchids. And they are so different. 💚

[@lisascenic]

I’m so terribly sorry that your plants, which previously brought you so much joy, have become a cause of grief. I only just discovered your wonderful channel, having been given a number of orchids by dear friends who are moving. The one plant I knew I needed the most education about was the vanda. Your videos have already helped me immensely. Thank you so very much. And I hope that 2023 is a better year.

[@bumblebeesorchids3408]

Hi Lisa, it's not that bad. :) Thank you for your kind comment. Today I was able to do a lot for my Vandas and they are doing well. I hope your friends' orchids will bring you a lot of you, especially the Vandas. Happy springtime and happy growing!

[@juliashearer7842]

Lovely video and beautiful collection. Sorry you have had such pest problems. Thank you for sharing. ❤️

[@orchidquest]

I hope all is well in the new year with you, Bumblebee...I know the spider mites are frustrating you, but I also hope your orchids are still bringing you joy. We miss you. 🤗

[@bumblebeesorchids3408]

Thank you for your kind words, Deborah. There's a lot going on, but the spider mites are kept at bay. :D Happy growing!

[@suethompson6497]

🤗🤗Hi🤗🤗how lovely to see you and your orchids back again, hope you are all keeping well. Take care🌸🌼💖

[@bumblebeesorchids3408]

Thank you for your kind words, Sue. There's a lot going on, but the spider mites are kept at bay - thrips not so much, though, they're tough as nails. :D Happy growing and take care, too!

[@the_burg_urban_garden]

So glad you’re back! …I also have had seasons of life that I’m not able to enjoy my orchids and plants… here’s to 2023, hoping you’ll find rejuvenated joy with your orchids 💗

[@bumblebeesorchids3408]

Thanks a lot, Heidi. I wish you the same. Happy growing and happy 2023. :)

[@neelambaramalik]

Lovely collection of orchids. I wish to grow mine like yours ❤️ For thrips I have tried 75% alcohol sanitizer spray and it works very nicely. Good luck

[@bumblebeesorchids3408]

Hi Neel, thank you very much! Happy growing! 🌱🌸

[@davidfrigo4344]

Glad you're back, Happy 2023 to you as well.

[@bumblebeesorchids3408]

Thank you very much, David! :) Happy growing!

[@junsorchids300]

Welcome back, Bumblebee! What a pleasant surprise! 😊 Thank you for a much-needed overdose of orchid beauty on a cold winter day. ❤I am sorry you are still battling with the thrips and now spider mites. Unfortunately it’s something we have to live with as long as we keep plants indoors. I went back to China for 2.5 months for family reasons in the autumn and when I came back my orchids were almost devoured by mealy bugs, spider mites, scales…I hope I will be able to keep them under control if I can’t eradicate them altogether. Bon courage and have a great holiday season! 🎊

[@bumblebeesorchids3408]

Thank you very much, Jun. I’m so sorry to hear your orchids (and I guess the other plants, too) have suffered from pest attacks during your absence. I hope all is well with your family, though. 😔 It’s brave to leave everything behind for such a long time. A couple of days ago I’ve overcome my internal opposition against systemics and habe begun to use pest-free sticks with the houseplants at least; they have clearly suffered the most. The once very pretty Monstera is only a shadow of its former self. I hope you will be able to keep your optimism and nurse your plants back to health. En effet, il faut du courage. 🍀 Have a great holiday season and a happy and healthy 2023 in advance!

[@junsorchids300]

@@bumblebeesorchids3408 Thank you for your reply! Indeed, there was a massive pest attack during my absence, but fortunately I have not yet seen thrips, which are the most destructive probably. Upon recommendation of an orchid friend, I am now using a very light solution of dinotefuran to spray, which seems to be effective in killing the tons of mealy bugs on my Phalaenopsis and scales on my Cattleyas. Sadly my father passed away a few months ago, which explains my rushed trip to China. I hope your family is doing well. Let's hope 2023 will be a new beginning!

[@bumblebeesorchids3408]

@@junsorchids300 I am so sorry for your loss, Jun. This must have been (and still be) a very hard time for you. I have no words. :( I just hope 2023 will hold a fresh start for your plants. For me the systemic sticks haven't shown any effect yet, but I guess it will take the roots a while to absorb the substance.

[@junsorchids300]

@@bumblebeesorchids3408 Thank you for your sympathy and kind words. I really appreciate them. Indeed it’s very difficult to lose a parent. But life has to go on. I hope the sticks will help keep the thrips under control. I wish you a great start of 2023, Bumblebee!

[@MDinmyMind]

So happy to see you! I have had a bad year with spider mites and thrips as well. They seem to be a fact of life if you have orchids. Wishing you a beautiful holiday season and a happy 2023!

[@bumblebeesorchids3408]

Thank you, Toni! :) Yes, indeed. I found old footage showing thrips damage without me being aware having thrips. I guess they’ve always been around, but I didn’t become fully aware of them until they attacked my foliage plants. Happy growing and a happy 2023 in advance! 🌱

[@mysticshining]

I was just wondering about you! Nice video, except for the pests... except I'm always fascinated about people's issues with them. Your plants still look great for the most part. I personally have given up a lot of my plants, it got to be too much, but I'm enjoying what I have left, mostly my favorite few orchids.💗 :)

[@bumblebeesorchids3408]

Thank you! The orchids have proven to be pretty resilient, indeed, while the houseplants suffered extremely. My Begonia was leafless most of the time, my Monstera is just a shadow of its former self with only few stained leaves left, I’ve given up on the Watermelon Peperomia and so on. I’m sorry you lost plants, but it’s good to hear your favourites survived ❤️‍🩹

[@mysticshining]

@@bumblebeesorchids3408 Yes, I was merciful to my favorites ;D But one of my favorite cattleyas is in desperate need of a repotting, so I have to do it soon!

[@Misslou2425]

You are Baaack! Happy Holidays and happy New Year in advance! Your orchids are such a glorious sight to see. Always inspiring!!!!

[@bumblebeesorchids3408]

Thank you so much for your kind words. :) I wish you the same. Happy growing and happy 2023 in advance. :)

[@PetalsSepalsandSpines]

Welcome back! Coincidentally, this came up as I was editing our version of "a year in orchids"! Terrible about the thrips... hopefully next year will bring back some orchid joy.

[@bumblebeesorchids3408]

Thank you very much! I'm looking forward to seeing your year in orchids video. :) Happy growing and a happy&healthy 2023 in advance!

[@GoldenArrow297]

It's been a long time. Happy growing once again

[@bumblebeesorchids3408]

Yes indeed. Thank you for sticking with me. Happy growing and happy 2023. :)

[@GoldenArrow297]

@@bumblebeesorchids3408 Merry Christmas and a very happy new year wishes for you 🎉

[@monicacallegaris9927]

So nice to see your videos again,I miss your updates ☺️ Outstanding plants and blooms 🤩🤩 I use Spinosad with trips maybe the treatment can help you as well ☺️

[@bumblebeesorchids3408]

Thank you, Monica! :) Spinsad isn't available in my region, but maybe in the future. Thanks for the tip, though. Happy growing!

[@pathuber9925]

Thank you for sharing your experience with your orchids and pests. I feel your pain and anguish, as I have been struggling with Thrips and to a lesser degree, scale this year! In Canada, systemic pesticides are banned, and the non-systemic pesticides I've tried have helped with only keeping the numbers down. I also have those yellow stiki papers in each of my orchid pots, which also help in capturing the flying adults. I sure wish someone would come out with a permanent solution to killing Thrips, that even the most conservative Countries can allow! Pests are definately a frustration to the hobby!

[@anndriggers6660]

Have you tried 1 tbsp neem, 1 tsp dish soap and 50% alcohol/water in a spray bottle? Also, you must remove all of the plants from window sills and shelves and thoroughly clean with bleach solution, as they hide in cracks and crevaces. The only way any treatment will work is if you treat them all at the same time and continue to do so and keep your shelf space clean and disinfected as well. I know that it seems like an insurmountable undertaking but it is so worth it in the end. I totally understand how you feel. Sometimes it just seems so defeating but on the other side of that, if feels very victorious when you get on the other side of it!

[@bumblebeesorchids3408]

I guess that's what you've gone through - you have my full respect. I have done a lot, but I must admit that I haven't tried to treat them with such thorough hygiene measures. I avoided toxic pesticides for a long time, especially because I wasn't willing to spray it on my plants (and myself and my surroundings). I buckled and began to use pesticide sticks that are absorbed by the roots for my thin leaved plants and that has reduced the pest pressure in my orchids as well since those plants (Monstera, Philodendron ..) carried most of them. Anyway, thank you very much for taking the time to try to help me. Have a wonderful weekend and happy growing! :)

[@anndriggers6660]

I really love your channel! You have totally inspired me to seek out several different orchids because yours are just so breathtaking! Can bit wait for them to bloom!

[@bumblebeesorchids3408]

@@anndriggers6660 Thank you very much. :) I hope you'll see some wonderful blooms this summer.

[@tropicalplantsfinland]

That Siam Jade seem to be one of the pest magnets. I lost mine to thrips. I was a bad plant parent last year. I just threw some water sometimes and then forgot them. Now I can see the result 😅 woops.

[@tropicalplantsfinland]

I use plain pesticides to keep the thrips at bay and of course rinsing the orchids every 2 to 3 months.

[@tropicalplantsfinland]

Oh and I have the Dark Waters (Jewel box)

[@bumblebeesorchids3408]

That was pretty much what I did, too. I'm actually quite impressed with them, I don't remember any of them that died, but I'm not quite sure - I might have conveniently forgotten as well.

[@viciousv4966]

Still looks better than my collection and I don’t have thrips!

[@bumblebeesorchids3408]

There's ups and downs. The videos is still focussed on the ups. Happy growing! :)

[@erinwheeler466]

I love the year in review! I tend to mostly lean on insecticidal soap/oil spray but I've also had good luck throwing some systemic granules in the media when I see thrips.

[@anndriggers6660]

Really? What kind and how often? Seems that my plant an orchid hobby has turned into a dogged determination to exterminate every thrips, spider mite, aphid, and mealy bug within 50 miles! It's pretty much all I think about these days... any info would be greatly appreciated!

[@erinwheeler466]

@@anndriggers6660 I really like the Bonide Captain Jack's Insecticidal Super Soap spray and Bonide Systemic Granules. I shake the spray bottle a little, spray the foliage well, let sit for 15 minutes of so, and then shower the plant thoroughly with water to rinse it off. Then I water in maybe a half tablespoon or so of granules basically every time a problem seems to come up--I think they last 3 months or so? They tend to wash through chunky media when I water the plant, so you can reapply as needed, but in clear pots I can see that enough of it usually stays around in the roots. It's important to pair the granules with a surface treatment spray because they take a few days to take effect I think.

[@erinwheeler466]

@@anndriggers6660 Also I've never actually burned an orchid with the soap spray, but I always wash it off my plants because I burned a couple of ferns once and I just decided the riskwas easily avoidable. The other benefit is it means you can go nuts with the spray, like pile it into all of the crowns and crevices and just let it sit for a moment, and then give it a good shower so that everything is rinsed out and then empty out the important areas like crowns. But this 2-step process means you can be so much more thorough, I think, with those little areas where bugs can hide.

[@sandrag8656]

I got rid of thrips and one kind of spidermites (those who have no webs) with 'Substral Careo for Orchids'. Especially when it comes to thrips, you have to spray every plant in the room, every part above the soil, and you have to do this about 3 times, so that realy no single bug is left. I checked my plants very carefully after the third treatment, and some got a fourth dose. They were stressed out from the treatment, but soon made new leafs and recovered.

[@bumblebeesorchids3408]

Ugh, that sounds dreadful. I guess my personal goal is not to get rid of every single thrips and mite, but keeping them at bay. They have always been around, but this year they took off. I’ll keep my fingers crossed you’ll be successful and that your plants recover. 🌱 Happy growing!

[@Godismylove316]

I feel your pain, I struggle endlessly with red spider mite attack :(

[@bumblebeesorchids3408]

Ugh. I'll keep my fingers crossed we'll get rid of them in the end. Happy growing and happy 2023 in advance!

[@trendworld9803]

I've seen your video about root burn on Phalaenopsis surface roots, and I also have the same thing happen. I'm almost sure it has to do with humidity and how fast the roots dry out from some research I've done. I was wondering - do you do anything to prevent this from happening and is it bad? It doesnt seem to have a negative effect on any of my phals but it looks sorta "bad" since the roots are brownish and not silvery/white. I know putting sphagnum over them can prevent it, but since you've been growing much longer than I have do the surface roots having a pigment or fertilizer burn do anything negative?

[@2702foxy]

Totally understand frustration, been battling scale for over a year and feel like giving up now :(

[@bumblebeesorchids3408]

Aaaw… I’ve lost my enthusiasm for almost an entire year. Now it’s coming back and I’m glad I didn’t give up on my orchids yet. I hope you’ll get rid of those scale soon. I’ll keep my fingers crossed! Happy 2023 in advance!

[@maritgrimstadjensen]

In which part of the world do you live? Your orchids are impressive.

[@bumblebeesorchids3408]

Thank you, Marit. I live in Central Europe. Happy growing! :)

[@anndriggers6660]

I think your No ID orchids at grocery stores and big box stores are better in Europe. The ones that I've gotten in the US are, for the most part, pretty plain and don't have a fragrance.

[@filthyandgorgeous]

Have you tried drowning the plants?

[@djaurm]

Hello. My name is Aurm. On my KZbin channel, you can find my original music that might interest you. You are welcome to use it for FREE in your videos

[@MortalJupiter]

Where is your accent from?!

[@MortalJupiter]

I have a vanda, not sure of the type, but I accidentally snapped the stem of flowers during a move. Really disappointing! But he seems happy and I’m sure he’ll be more beautiful next year!

[@rachelkillcare5203]

🥺😩😭

[@marygorchidsmore2058]

Great update, loved all your blooms! Sorry to hear you're suffering from pests!, I think systemic can help. Thanks for sharing and happy growing 😀!

[@bumblebeesorchids3408]

Hi Mary, thank yo so much! :) I've used some pest-free sticks for my foliage plants lately. They were affected the most. Fingers crossed. Happy growing and a happy 2023 in advance! :)