Orchids attacked by lice are a major problem for every plant lover, and given the fact that they are sensitive plants will make these tropical plants the most wanted pray of pests. One of the most common pests you can find on orchid leaves or rods are lice and aphids.
Because these plant destroying insects multiply fast, creating colonies in just a few days, it often happens to discover that your plants face with a pest lice invasion when is a bit too late.
If your orchids are facing with aphid or lice invasion, you will see that their leaves will turn yellow, the flowers will be a bit deformed and the plant will slow its growth.
How to track lice and aphids on orchids?
These little intruders create their colonies on the back of the leaves, but, slowly, they will cover the rods, and, eventually, the whole plant. During their invasion, lice and aphids feed with plant sap which will lead to plant death.
If you carefully look at the leaves and rods, you will see that they are covered with sticky secretions called honey dew which are nothing but insect manure.
Important! The secretion left on the leaves attracts the plant fungus. On the flowers and leaves will appear blackish, soot-like crusts. These crusts covers only the upper part of the leaves, the lower one keeping its green color. The drying of the leaves begins at the edge.
Plant care
Orchids attacked by lice can be successfully treated, both by bio and chemical methods.
Natural treatment
If you don’t face with a powerful invasion, you can prepare your own insecticide, as it follows:
– Mix together 1 tablespoon of Castile soap and 1 quart of water, put it in a spray bottle and spray the solution over your orchids. Make sure that this solution is sprayed on every insect and never use it more than 3 times in a row.
Chemical treatment
If the attack is strong, use systemic insecticides to get rid of aphids. The substance will be absorbed by the plant and will get into plant’s sap. When aphids will suck the sap will slowly die.
Remember! Applying this chemical treatment once isn’t enough. You should repeat it after one week and respect the label dosage.
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