How to Identify and Treat Common Orchid Pests and Disease
Orchids are beautiful, delicate plants, but they can be susceptible to various pests and diseases that can harm their health. Identifying and treating common orchid pests and diseases is essential for maintaining their vibrant growth.
One of the most common pests is the aphid, small sap-sucking insects that can damage flowers and leaves. To treat aphids, use insecticidal soap or neem oil, spraying it on the affected areas.
Another common pest is the mealybug, which appears as white, cotton-like clumps on the plant. Mealybugs can be removed by wiping them off with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol or using a mild insecticide
Spider mites are also a frequent issue for orchids, especially in dry conditions. These tiny, barely visible pests leave fine webs and cause yellowing or speckled spots on the leaves.
To manage spider mites, increase humidity around the plant and treat it with miticides or insecticidal soap. Scale insects, which look like small, brownish or black bumps on stems or leaves, are another troublesome pest.
They can be removed manually with a soft brush or cloth soaked in rubbing alcohol, followed by treatment with an insecticide. Fungal and bacterial diseases are common in orchids as well.
A frequent fungal issue is powdery mildew, which causes a white, powdery coating on leaves and stems. To treat it, remove the affected parts and apply a fungicide.
Another fungal infection, black rot, can cause black, mushy spots on leaves and stems. This disease is usually caused by water sitting on the plant for too long or poor air circulation.