Pests on orchids are not only a nuisance. Sometimes they can even destroy entire stocks and spoil the pleasure of the hobby. To prevent this from happening, I have five tips for you on how to specifically prevent pest infestations on your orchids.
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Tip 1 against pests: Clarify location before purchase
The best remedy against pests is a healthy, strong plant. To ensure that your orchid feels completely at home, you must provide it with a location that meets its requirements. So before you buy an orchid, find out what it needs. Does it like light or partial shade? Does it like it cool or warm? Only buy plants that you can offer a suitable location. Optimal conditions make the plant more resistant and to some extent help strengthen its self-defense against pests.
Tip 2 against pests: Inspect the orchid thoroughly
If you have the opportunity to purchase your orchid locally from an orchid nursery or other retailer, examine it closely. Look for signs of disease or pest infestation. This could be deposits or dark spots on the leaves, for example. Sunken areas or noticeable leaf misgrowth – curled or discolored areas – can also indicate pests. A look at the roots is also advisable, as pests can hide here as well. Buy a plant only if you can visually declare it pest-free. If you have ordered orchids, check them as soon as the delivery arrives and do not be afraid to complain about plants that do not appear healthy to you.
Tip 3 against pests: Put new orchids separately
Even if you are pretty sure after your close inspection that you have not brought any pests into your house with your new orchid, it makes sense to let it stand separately from your other plants for a few weeks. Some pests are so small and inconspicuous that a slight infestation is not visible to the naked eye. This is the case with spider mites, for example. And they can multiply suddenly and explosively, wiping out entire stands without any problem. Therefore, it does not hurt to take this precaution and closely observe the new orchid for four to six weeks. If it still looks healthy after this time, you can take a chance and put it with your other orchids.
Tip 4 against pests: Water orchids individually
Many pests are transmitted to neighboring plants simply by placing the plants next to each other. But you make it especially easy for them if you submerge all plants in the same water. At the beginning of my orchid hobby, I once spread mealybugs in this way from a supermarket plant throughout my entire orchid stock. Sure, it seems practical at first glance to fill a tub full of water and submerge all the plants in it. But you’d better not. Because the hassle of getting rid of the pests later is not worth the labor savings of watering. My alternative is to fill each orchid’s own planter full of water for watering. After half an hour, drain the water again, done!
Tip 5 against pests: Immediately remove infested orchids from the stock
Despite all measures and caution, it can still happen that one of your orchids becomes infected with pests. This has nothing to do with bad care or carelessness, but is simply in the nature of things. Some pests can, for example, get onto the orchids through the open window. Or migrate from other houseplants. If you discover an infestation on one of your orchids, take it out of the plant immediately and separate it. This minimizes the risk of infecting other orchids. Of course, this may already have happened. Therefore, observe the other orchids very closely and check them even more often than usual for pest infestation.
If you follow these five tips and when buying orchids, besides the price, pay attention to the quality of the plants, you are on a good course to reduce the risk of pest infestation on your orchids to a minimum.
Of course you can not protect yourself 100% from pests on orchids. I have also had pest infestations several times. In combating them, I have had very good experience with neem oil. I use the NEUDORFF Neem Plus 200 ml. There are several other manufacturers that offer neem oil for pest control.
I wish you much joy with your plants and as little trouble as possible with spider mite, mealybug and others!