|
Post by carkin on Sept 5, 2016 15:17:32 GMT -5
This is a baby moranensis I got from Hal in May. It's working overtime to rid my place of gnats, lol.
|
|
|
Post by hackerberry on Sept 5, 2016 17:40:16 GMT -5
Nice!
|
|
|
Post by kawarthapine on Sept 8, 2016 14:24:57 GMT -5
Wow:
That is the most effective fungus gnat control mechanism I have ever seen.
Your plant is going to grow at a ballistic rate after it digests all those little snacks!
You should pull a few leaves in a few weeks and try propagating a few clones.
|
|
|
Post by carkin on Sept 8, 2016 22:46:43 GMT -5
Yes, it's true kawarthapine, it's doing a great job!! I'm not sure if your orchids attract as many gnats as mine does, but I have found ping's to be a great companion plant.
|
|
|
Post by kawarthapine on Sept 10, 2016 20:55:13 GMT -5
I tend to get minor infestations every fall when I bring my dends back in and sometimes (rarely) from retail plant sources.
These have been controlled with a few pings.... far more preferable than using chemicals.
My orchid collection is down to a more manageable # (bet 175 & 200, not incl flasklings in compots) so I have fewer insect issues.
I almost want to let fruit flies in so I have a food source for my dros and pings.
I love the idea of creating more diverse plant communities that have symbiotic relationships and benefits.
|
|
|
Post by exoticplantseller on Sept 11, 2016 11:17:12 GMT -5
I tend to get minor infestations every fall when I bring my dends back in and sometimes (rarely) from retail plant sources. These have been controlled with a few pings.... far more preferable than using chemicals. My orchid collection is down to a more manageable # (bet 175 & 200, not incl flasklings in compots) so I have fewer insect issues. I almost want to let fruit flies in so I have a food source for my dros and pings. I love the idea of creating more diverse plant communities that have symbiotic relationships and benefits. I am with you on the fruit fly thing haha, I wish there was a way to have the fungus gnats by your plants but keep them under control from getting to other (non carnivorous) plants. My dews ate them all so I have none left😟
|
|
|
Post by kawarthapine on Sept 13, 2016 21:12:43 GMT -5
I tend to get minor infestations every fall when I bring my dends back in and sometimes (rarely) from retail plant sources. These have been controlled with a few pings.... far more preferable than using chemicals. My orchid collection is down to a more manageable # (bet 175 & 200, not incl flasklings in compots) so I have fewer insect issues. I almost want to let fruit flies in so I have a food source for my dros and pings. I love the idea of creating more diverse plant communities that have symbiotic relationships and benefits. I am with you on the fruit fly thing haha, I wish there was a way to have the fungus gnats by your plants but keep them under control from getting to other (non carnivorous) plants. My dews ate them all so I have none left😟
|
|
|
Post by kawarthapine on Sept 13, 2016 21:15:01 GMT -5
I am with you on the fruit fly thing haha, I wish there was a way to have the fungus gnats by your plants but keep them under control from getting to other (non carnivorous) plants. My dews ate them all so I have none left😟 That's what I call a 'Mixed Blessing' 😄
|
|
|
Post by bonfield on Sept 13, 2016 21:16:24 GMT -5
|
|
|
Post by carkin on Sept 13, 2016 22:18:12 GMT -5
I've wondered about that too! I know of people who raise them for reptiles, but wondered if anyone keeps them for their CP's.
|
|
|
Post by kawarthapine on Sept 13, 2016 23:14:42 GMT -5
Great idea Cole, but who's going to pick off all those tiny wings until the flies figure it out for themselves?
Lately I have put half a strawberry in almost closed zip lock baggy and leave it ouside by our compost thread... Once I have lots of voluteers I put the bag in the freezer for about 30 min. I then remove the berry and drop the dead flies into an old film canniste, and repeat.
I figure I got over 100 flies today and hope to build up a nice large collection by frost.
Cruel yes! Practical yes! guilt free yes (have not lost any sleep so far).
|
|
|
Post by bonfield on Sept 13, 2016 23:51:38 GMT -5
I've believed the point of using any form of live prey for the traps is to observe the valiant, yet futile struggle of the fly against an organism which has defied its role in the food chain to specialize in their capture. Kind of like watching gladiatorial bloodsport. Otherwise, freeze-dried bloodworms are an effective alternative.
|
|
|
Post by lloyd on Sept 14, 2016 12:51:01 GMT -5
Freeze-dried blood worms are incredibly allergenic. I have to wear a mask or I have a sneezing fit.
|
|
|
Post by exoticplantseller on Sept 14, 2016 19:19:54 GMT -5
That's what I call a 'Mixed Blessing' 😄 Hahaha lol I wish there was a way to attract them to your plants. But I have none left
|
|