Orchid PestsControlling Orchid pests and diseases with all haste is vital for the health of your plant community. One infested plant can quickly infect every orchids you have. Keeping a close and constant watch for orchid pests helps make them less of a problem when they appear.Aphids - Tiny green, yellow or black insects that gather at soft and new spots on the plant in order to suck plant juices. It is important to remove them since they weaken the plant and can spread viruses and other diseases from plant to plant. They are easily removed by taking your orchid to the sink and rinsing with water pressure to dislodge them. If your plant is too large for this method, it is safe to use insecticidal soap. Scale - Soft Scale and Armored Scale look like tiny yellow or brown limpets. Like aphids, they suck plant juices and weaken the plant. Treat with rubbing alcohol. Using a cotton swab, rub the plant with enough pressure to remove the Scale. Mealy Bugs - These are a type of Scale that have a waxy, cottony, look. They are treated by the alcohol method described above, or with insecticidal soap. In a closed environment, mealy bugs can be controlled with Lady Bugs. Thrips - Soft bodied insects about the size of an aphid. They like to chew on the leaves and flowers of orchids. They can also spread diseases and funguses from plant to plant. Treat with insecticidal soap and oil sprays. In a closed environment they can be controlled with Predatory Mites. Fungus Gnats - Tiny black flies. The larva feed on potting material, orchid buds, and root tips. Treat with Parasitic Nematodes and Predatory Mites. Spider Mites - If you see tiny rust colored spots on the orchid leaves, you probably have Spider Mites. Treat with insecticidal oil or soap, or control with predatory Mites. For more information about orchid pests and diseases check out the links below.
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