Phalaenopsis can suffer attack from Mealy Bugs. These appear as small furry  white pests, usually under the leaves. They can be sprayed with Pyrethrum or a  chemical insecticide such as Diazinon, or wet them with equal parts of  Methylated spirits and water using a cotton bud or small cloth. Phalaenopsis are very rewarding plants to grow and flowers last up to 12 weeks. When flowers have withered, cut the flower stem off between the third and fourth notch from the plant. The old stem will then shoot and flower a second time. Mature plants will flower twice each year so flowering can be achieved for up to half the year. Flowers are available in white, pink or yellow or with variations of spotting or veining on these backgrounds. Tinonee Orchids 2003 Gosford  & District Orchid Society Inc.