Like other plants that brighten our homes, orchids can sometimes be invaded by pests. Alongside using a suitable treatment, identify where the pest may have come from and address that source for a lasting solution.
Why do orchids get pests?
Pests may arrive with a new plant or through a window opened for ventilation. If your orchid has pests, stay calm and observe it daily so you can intervene in time. First remove the likely source from the environment. For example, if you think insects in a newly bought plant’s pot caused the issue, address that plant first.
How can we tell that an orchid has pests?
An orchid affected by pests may respond with transparent, sticky droplets beneath leaves and on stems. These can be an early sign. Sometimes even a passing fly or harmless spider can be associated with a small amount of sticky fluid, so inspect the orchid carefully to check whether pests are actually present.
Which insects are harmful to orchids?
Thrips
Thrips often hide around a fresh emerging leaf and reveal themselves through raised, pimple-like marks. They settle at the tips of new spikes, feed on sap in buds and flowers, and leave marks. These small louse-like pests may be translucent, yellow or black.
Example photographs
Mealybugs
These white pests leave cotton-like residues, are larger than thrips and also feed on plant sap. They hide at leaf bases, nodes and inside flowers. Check your orchids frequently for these small white insects.
Example photographs
Scale insects
Scale insects can be hard to recognise because they look more like brown shells than insects. They attach to the plant and feed on its sap. A scale may come away when scraped with a fingernail. Like the other pests, they settle on leaves, spikes and flowers and can eventually dry the plant out if left untreated.
Example photographs
Red spider mites
These are among the hardest pests to spot. The mites are so small that you may notice only their marks, usually silvery dots on leaves. The article describes wiping leaves or stems with cotton carrying a little lemon juice and looking for a rusty brown residue on the cotton.
Example photographs
How can orchid pests be removed?
Although biological control is our preference, for the four pests listed above the article recommends obtaining an appropriate plant-protection product and applying it to the affected orchid without excessive delay.
These are the main points to know about insects and common orchid pests. Stay with us for more orchid care tips, and share your questions in the comments.
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