Celada Orchids (lat. Orchidaceae), popularly Orchids is extremely extensive. So far, about 30,000 botanical species have been described in the wild . More than 100,000 hybrids and cultivars have been created by crossing under artificial conditions. This testifies to their great popularity and popularity among growers of ornamental plants. Today, the Orchid is found in many households.
Over time, the Orchid grower will certainly encounter diseases and pests infesting these plants.
They appear mainly on neglected and poorly grown plants. In order to make a timely and correct diagnosis of a disease or pest , the grower must know what is abnormal in the appearance and general condition of his plant. If the problem is detected in the beginning, the probability of successful treatment is much greater. However, it should be borne in mind that Orchids regularly exchange leaves, so yellowing of the leaves can also be a completely natural phenomenon.
Rotting of roots, pseudo-tubers and peanuts
It is formed by a prolonged excess of water in the substrate. It can also be caused by the addition of infected soil or contaminated tools. The diseased plant weakens, does not grow and may gradually die.
We check the plant's root system and remove the affected parts, which are brown and even mushy. We will leave only solid white parts of the roots, which we will sufficiently treat with fungicides. Then we plant the Orchid in a new substrate and flowerpot. We will destroy the sick parts.
Petal mildew
If the environment in which the Orchid is grown is too warm and humid, it may be infested with the Botrytis fungus. The disease is manifested by brown to black spots on the flowers. It is very infectious. The petals must be removed and destroyed immediately. Cultivation conditions also need to be adjusted accordingly. We treat the plant with a fungicidal solution.
Black rot
If it is on a plant too much standing water for a long time, black spots may appear on the leaves, which gradually spread throughout the plant. Remove and destroy the affected parts, treat the plant with a fungicidal spray.
Bacterial soft and brown rot
This disease attacks Orchids grown in an inappropriately warm and humid environment. Spread with water. Symptoms are watery parts of the leaves, which are often bordered by yellow. The disease spreads rapidly to the roots and pseudo- tubers of Orchids. The rotten parts smell unpleasant. We will remove and destroy the infected parts. We treat the whole Orchid and all nearby plants with a suitable fungicide.
Viral disease
Virosis is the most dangerous disease affecting Orchids. Infection of the plant with viruses is manifested by an overall slow growth, deformation of leaves and flowers. Chlorotic spots form on the leaves. Viruses introduce plants to the pests or transfer them with infected tools. An effective agent for the treatment of virosis is not yet known. Infested plants must be destroyed.
Animal pests
Shields
They attack adult plants and damage leaf suckers. The shield (belongs to the Worms) has a body protected by wax exudates in the shape of a shield. An adult adheres to one place for life. If we find a small occurrence, we remove them mechanically by first rubbing them with soapy water. If a large amount is detected , we repeatedly apply the insecticidal solution, alternating the active substance. Add a wax wetting agent to the spray.
Puklice
They also harm Orchids by sucking vegetable juices. Their occurrence is signaled by various physiological disorders of the plant. Puklice (belongs to the Worms ) have a back covered with wax secretions in an oval or round shape. In case of a small occurrence, we can smear the pests with alcohol and remove them mechanically. In case of a large occurrence, we spray with insecticides , which we alternate. We add a wetting agent to the spray.
Leaf aphids
They parasitize on the above-ground parts of plants - on leaves, stems and flowers. By pumping a large amount of juice, they prevent the Orchids from growing healthy. Organophosphate insecticides are used repeatedly for spraying and must be rotated.
Root aphids
They attack the underground parts of the Orchids, which harm the gypsies. Organophosphate insecticides are applied alternately.
Mites
They occur mainly on the underside of leaves. A fine cobweb draws attention to their presence and that the leaves are as dusty. They multiply very quickly and gain resistance to spraying. Action must be taken immediately. It is necessary to remove and destroy the infested parts of the plant. Acaricidal sprays are used repeatedly to exterminate mites - they must be rotated.
Professional imitations of orchids
The disadvantage of growing Orchids in our climatic conditions is that these decorative flowers can only be grown indoors. However, artificial imitations of Orchids, produced in a very wide range, can be easily used to complete exteriors .
Imitations of different species of Orchids can be purchased in different versions. Both as plants growing in pots, but also as individual flowering twigs, or in the shape of beautiful garlands . All produced variants are in several sizes. The overall appearance of the imitations is indistinguishable from the living originals. Textiles are used in combination with plastics to make petals. Stems, leaves and aerial roots are made of quality plastics using the latest technologies. Thanks to this, you can have your Orchid placed wherever you see fit. You do not have to take into account the temperature, humidity, light. Another advantage of Orchid imitations is that wherever they are placed, they do not require any maintenance . They just need to wipe off the dust and rinse with water. Given their longevity, they are definitely a good choice.