Care Of House Orchids: Pest Control
One of the most beautiful flowers, treasured by horticulturalists everywhere, is the orchid. Taking care of house has become a competitive event. These flowers are most often found in tropical and sub-tropical areas, including parts of Asia, Central and South America, and Africa. There are some varieties which are exceptions to the rule. Most species of have aerial roots, and they often grow attached to trees in their natural habitat. care of house can be intimidating, but they are really a simple plant to maintain.
Types Of Pests
However, there are many types of pests which are ready to ruin the effort you have put into taking care of house orchid. The most common varieties are aphids, mealybugs, mites, centipedes, slugs, snails, and whiteflies. Which pests infest your plant depends on the area in which you live and the variety of that you are growing. Taking care of house orchids properly depends on knowing hot to eliminate these pests from your plant.
Aphids damage the plant by sucking phloem fluid off the plant. They bite into the plant itself, and this dead tissue turns yellow and decays. Mealybugs, which are generally white or pink, also feed on the orchids. These can be difficult pests to remove, so taking care of house requires that you give them immediate attention. Never wait to clear up an infestation or it may get worse.
If you see a white insect that looks like a scale, these bugs are commonly known as scale insects. As they feed off the orchid, they will grow larger and harder. The male scale insects are actually winged insects that breed with these scaly females. Taking care of house also demands that you eliminate mites. The most common type of mite is the spider mite, which are tiny insects that form a spider-like webbing on the plant.
Millipedes and centipedes attack the roots of a plant. They are particularly harmful to plants, and centipedes can also sting humans who are taking care of house orchid. Snails and slugs have a similar attack on orchids by eating them. White flies rank with aphids and spider mites as the most irritating form of pests.
Eliminating Pests
There are plenty of natural solutions to taking care of orchids and eliminating pests. The simplest way is to procure an enemy of the pest and release it. For instance, instead of an insecticide you can purchase ladybugs to eliminate aphids. Most pests have a natural predator that can help you eliminate them, so long as you take care to not let the predator become a problem as well. However, large infestations or certain pests may require use of an insecticide when taking care of house orchid.
When taking care of house orchid, make sure to purchase the most natural, environmentally friendly insecticide. These safe bug killers will help protect your plant and the world. You can also try certain barriers and nettings to block the orchids from pests.
|
