Here is just an example of
Part 7a of the
12 Part mini
course on “Insider’s Secrets on Growing and Caring
for
Orchids Like a Pro”.
Orchid Bug And
Pest Problems
There are a number of bugs and pests that can attack orchids
with devastating effect, so it is well worth investing some time in
developing
the ability to recognize them at the earliest possible stage
–
and knowing what
to do when you spot them.
Of
course, prevention is
better than cure, and a few basic
hygiene rules in your orchid growing area will dramatically reduce the
risk of
damage to your orchids from bugs and pests.
- Don’t
overcrowd your
orchids. As well as giving you the space to handle and observe each
plant, this will prevent contaminated water dripping from an infested
plant to a healthy one – and gives the critters further to
travel.
- Always
remove dead material.
Dropped leaves, prunings and any other plant matter – whether
you
think it is healthy or diseased – should never be left lying
around your orchids.
- Use
sterilized – or at
least very clean – tools, especially when cutting into your
orchids.
Let’s
take a look at the most common
bug problems you might
encounter.
Common Orchid Pests
Scale
Scale
insects are related to aphids. They
latch on to one
part of the plant – usually along a vein – and suck
large
amounts of sap,
depositing droplets of honeydew as a byproduct. Their aphids are
airborne and
very mobile, making cross-infection of plants highly probable.
Small
numbers of scales can be removed with
a sponge, but
large infestations must be treated chemically. Scales have a waxy
covering that
repels insecticides, so a systemic insecticide must be used.
P.O.
Box 1264, Parramatta NSW 2124, Sydney, Australia
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