Orchids: fighting diseases & pests

If not cared for, orchids can often be plagued by diseases and pests. We have summarized what helps against this for you.

It just stands orchid in a rich green and with glowing flowers on the windowsill - but the next moment the leaves turn yellow or fall off. These and many other signs can be an indication of a disease of the popular houseplant, which sometimes enters the house with the purchase. We introduce the most common diseases and pests affecting orchids and show you what you can do about them.

Orchids: the most common diseases

As with any plant, there are some signs in the orchid that you can tell if you have a disease. The following diseases are common:

Putrefaction

Probably the most common disease is root rot, which can reach up to the leaves. This is caused by bacteria, which find optimal conditions through improper watering.

What can you do about it?

• Water only once a week
• Avoid waterlogging
• Repot the orchid
• Dispose of in an emergency

Accordion growth

In the form of the leaves, also known as wrinkle growth, which increases in Orchid species how Miltonia or Oncidium occurs, it is a reaction of the plants to changing environmental conditions. The leaves of the orchids only grow when the conditions are right, such as suitable humidity, water and the right temperature. In the event of deviations, the plant reacts by stopping growth. This change causes the characteristic growth, which is not bad, but indicates incorrect care.

What can you do about it?

• Inform about the optimal site conditions for orchids
• Spraying with water for high humidity

Brown spots on the leaves

This symptom often takes the form of dark spots that spread over time. It is usually a fungal infection that is also contagious to other plants. Bacteria can also be responsible for the disease.

What can you do about it?

• Isolate the plant
• No spraying with water
• Remove infected parts of the plant
• Enough air movement
• Disinfect the knife

sunburn

Some orchid species are more sensitive to light than others and do not tolerate blazing sun well. If there is too much exposure to the sun, stains can appear on the plant.

What can you do about it?

• Change location
• Choose a place behind the curtain (no direct sunlight)

Below we have listed other symptoms that are also common in orchids.

Orchids: leaves turn yellow

Basically: orchids like for example Phalaenopsis can get a yellow leaf from time to time in winter, which then falls off. As long as the plant continues to sprout, there is nothing to worry about. If, on the other hand, several yellow leaves appear, this can be a sign that the roots have too little space and are rotting. A lack of light can also be responsible for leaf drop.

What can you do about it?

• Repot every two years
• Look for a bright location
• No direct sunlight

Orchids: flowers fall off

Just like the discoloration of the leaves, the falling off of the flowers is a sign of the wrong location conditions for orchids. Reasons can be a sharp change in temperature as well as drafts. Too much or too little sun and a lack of water can also lead to the buds drying out.

What can you do about it?

• Ensure constant conditions
• Avoid direct sunlight
• Avoid a place on the north side in winter

We recommend the following products for magnificent orchids:

• Floragard orchid soil: Peat-free Special soil for the special requirements of your indoor orchids. Pine bark and coconut chips create a light, airy structure. Premium fertilizers such as guano ensure strong and vital plants.
• Cuxin liquid fertilizer orchids: The special fertilizer for orchids contains many organic nutrients for lush flowering. Iron chelate ensures deep green leaves.
• Cuxin leaf care spray: Care spray for orchids based on an ionic wetting agent. The trace elements contained in it balance the moisture balance of orchids in a dry environment and thus ensure fresh green leaves and a high degree of flowering.

Orchids: Common pests

Most problems with orchids arise from improper care, but pests can creep in even with proper handling, which are usually introduced when you buy them.

Mealybugs on orchids

Mealybug are a common problem with orchids and can be identified by small, furry nests under the leaves. These are lice that feed on the sap of the orchid and thus harm it. Further infections often follow from an infestation with mealybugs.

What can you do about it?

• Remove nests with a cotton swab soaked in water or alcohol
• Wipe the plant thoroughly but carefully

Scale insects on orchids

If you spot small animals with shield-shaped backs on your orchid, it is most likely the so-called Scale insects. Just like the mealybugs, the animals feed on the sap of the plant and thereby harm it.

What can you do about it?

• Dab the scale insects with tea tree oil

Aphids on orchids

As with many other plants, an orchid can in rare cases of Aphids be infested. If you notice small white or black animals, your orchid has probably caught the annoying pests.

What can you do about it?

• Wipe the lice with light soapy water

With the right care, the risk of diseases or pests infecting your orchids can be significantly reduced. For example, this article will teach you how to Fertilize orchids properly.