There are few things more beautiful than orchids.
However, when it comes to the bugs that like to eat them, they can be a nightmare.
Bugs like these can ruin an orchid plant’s life in no time at all and without any warning.
The good news is that you don’t need to live with bugs if you know how to identify them and get rid of them naturally!
How to get rid of bugs on orchids Naturally
Contents
There are bugs that are known to attack orchids. How you eliminate them determines how well your plants will grow.
Thrips
Thrips may be the most common insects which attack orchid plants.
Thrips usually appear on young buds and flowers where they suck sap from plant tissues causing discoloration of petals in white-flowering orchids.
Withering and eventual shedding of leaves are also common outcomes.
Gently blow into an open bloom and watch for thrips, which are tiny insects that scurry about.
If you see any, squish them with your fingers or use a commercial insecticide.
Thrips can also be controlled by using floral traps made of blue or yellow sticky paper.
Monitor pests with these traps and inspect them weekly.
Due to the fact that these pests can be found on any part of the plant, including the roots, they are tough to remove and control.
Mites
You can spot mites if you look closely enough.
Mites are often hard to find because they are so small, but the webs on your plants will give them away.
The underside of leaves can be examined to check for signs of mite presence, which appears as silvery dusting on the leaves.
When a colony becomes overcrowded with bugs, winged mites will develop and fly away to colonize other plants.
Mites cannot be controlled using insecticides, so the first line of defense against these bugs is increasing humidity levels.
If your orchid lives in a dry area, make sure to give it more water and mist it often. Mites also hate soap, so you can wash all of the leaves thoroughly with soap to get rid of them.
Remember to keep an eye on your plants for any new signs of mites and take action right away!
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are tiny white or gray beetles that pose a serious danger to the health of your orchids.
They can enter your home through an infected plant or through the air.
Fortunately, there are several ways to get rid of them naturally.
Lacewings, beetles, and wasps are natural predators of mealybugs in outdoor habitats.
Another way to get rid of mealybugs is by washing them away with the rain.
However, managing bugs indoors can be a lot more challenging.
Keep your other plants safe by removing any sick ones.
Every ten to fourteen days, spray all plants with an insecticide to disrupt the insects’ life cycle and prevent them from reproducing.
This will help to stop any further infestation.
Make sure you only use organic insecticides, as chemical sprays can be harmful for your orchids and the environment.
You’ll also need a fine-tipped paintbrush to apply it directly on affected areas of each plant.
In this way, you won’t harm beneficial bugs such as bees and butterflies.
You may also want to check the garden for mealybugs or other pests on your outdoor plants.
If you find any, gently wash them away with water so they don’t come back later.
All of these methods will help keep your beautiful flowers safe from bugs!
Fungus Gnats
Fungus gnats are one of the most common problems with orchids.
These little flies have dark brown or black bodies and wings that are a grayish black.
In spite of the fact that these pests aren’t harmful to your orchid, they might be a sign of a more serious problem.
Replant your orchids in a potting mix with charcoal or coconut fiber to halt deterioration and keep fungus gnats at bay.
Water only when the soil is completely dry.
A great way to get rid of an infestation is by using yellow sticky card traps.
Aphids
Aphids are one of the most prevalent pests and can wreak havoc on the plant’s leaves, causing them to become twisted, yellowed, or curled.
Fortunately, getting rid of an aphid infestation is a simple process.
The leaves can be dislodged by a powerful cold water shower.
The aphids will leave the plants if you sprinkle them with flour, which they despise.
Neem oil or insecticidal soap can be used if those measures fail. Sticky yellow card traps are also effective.
Getting rid of ants is necessary if you have them as they protect the aphids from being killed.
Conclusion
In conclusion, getting rid of bugs on orchids naturally is a simple process that can be done with a few simple tools and measures.
Follow these tips to get your plants back to their healthy selves in no time!
Aphids are small green or black insects that feed on plant liquids
They wreak havoc on the plant’s leaves, causing them to become twisted, yellowed, or curled
The leaves can be dislodged by a powerful cold water shower
The aphids will leave the plants if you sprinkle them with flour, which they despise
Neem oil or insecticidal soap can be used if those measures fail. Sticky yellow card traps are also effective.
Getting rid of ants is necessary if you have them as they protect the aphids from being killed.
