Common Orchid Pests

Orchids are very strong plants and are capable of protecting themselves from the common pests and diseases. Environmental stress, however, can leave them vulnerable to pests that might already have taken refuge in your orchid, or in nearby plants. Treat them as early as possible as you don't want them in large numbers enough to use strong pesticides that could also risk the health of your plant.

Aphids. Small, green, yellow, or black insects. You will find them in clusters on new leaves and blooming buds. They penetrate through the plant surface that becomes an entry point for other diseases. Warm water and detergent is enough for wiping small clusters off the orchid. Use insecticidal soap for worse numbers.

Spider Mites. Very small green or red insects. Though hard to see, the webbings they create can be spotted by inspecting the underside of the leaves. They prefer dusty areas for attaching their webbings so keep the leaves clean by washing them regularly. Treat the leaves with insecticidal soap from time to time.

Scales. Brown, or white round insects. Bad infestation can scar and stunt the plant. Spray insecticidal soap or with stronger pesticides for weeks. Spray the other plants as well to keep the young scales from moving from one to another. They easily grow in numbers and could stunt the growth of the plant while leaving scars.

Mealybugs. For the untrained eye, they would look like webbings but in fact are white insects with cottony appearance and thread-like legs. They colonize areas such as inside bud sheaths and crevices between the leaves. They are less harmful than the other pests, but hard to eradicate. Like any other pests, frequent maintenance will keep them from multiplying to unsafe amounts. They can be killed with alcohol.

Slugs and snails. They are easy to spot, when they're there. You can detect their presence by the slime trails that they leave and chewed out leaves and buds. Simply remove if you find them. Should they keep coming, slug baits are commonly available to keep them away from your plants. It's also been found that beer is an effective home remedy. Place them in a bowl in any spot in your garden and they will fill themselves in.