Orchid Diseases

The orchid has a reputation as being difficult to grow. In fact, it is quite hardy, and has a higher resistance to disease and insects than many other common household plants.

However, the orchid must be healthy in order to fend off disease and pests. Keeping an orchid healthy is simply a matter of providing adequate lighting, moisture, and ventilation.

Caring for Orchid

Caring for your orchid begins with proper moisture control. Orchids must be free from standing water which can encourage root rot. Too much moisture can also provide a breeding ground for fungi and bacteria, so controlling the humidity level is essential for caring for orchid.

Proper ventilation will also help to prevent moisture buildup. Most orchids require a steady supply of moving air, and this aspect of caring for orchid can be provided with fans running in the vicinity of the orchid. Do not, however, point the fan directly at the orchid plant. Mealy Worms attack orchids

Orchid Pests

Certain insects and other pests are attracted to orchids. These include spider mites, mealy worms, and scale. Caring for orchid means eliminating these common pests with the use of insecticides or, for a more organic approach, washing the leaves with soapy water.

Orchids are susceptible to bacteria and viral infections. Fungi and bacteria problems can be treated, but there is no cure for viral infections. An orchid which is infected with the virus must be destroyed because the virus can spread to other orchids in the house.

Sterilization can help to prevent the spread of disease. Caring for orchid should include sterilizing cutting blades and other instruments that are used for tending your orchids.

Comments

Rachel
18 Mar 2009, 21:41

I have two orchids that have a sticky substance on the leaves. What is this and how do I treat it?

Carol Kierman
18 Jan 2010, 07:22

My variety is unknown but have this problem with sticky leaves and you can see a substance on the leaves what can we do to treat this

Carol

carole
15 Jun 2010, 13:14

My phals bloom well, but have a strange look to the leaves lately. They turn leathery and as the new leaves emerge they too look the same.

mandy
04 Jul 2010, 09:22

I have an orchid and it has lovely white flowers and nice green leaves therefore i think it is a healthy plant. It has now got a clear sticky substance on the flower stalk. Cant seen to find out if this is ok. Is it a substance that is produced to encourage pollention?

m. jones
23 Oct 2010, 07:25

my orchid is wthering from tip back
since all blooms fell off. what is reason? leaves green healthy.

Christi
29 Dec 2010, 10:05

My Orchid looks like it may be dying. The stem is brown but the big leaves on the base are still green. What should I do?

Alan Baratz
03 Apr 2011, 13:11

Hi,
I have a Zygopetalum that after flowering last January has lost all of its leaves. Some of the pseudo bulbs seem haelthy. What should I do with the plant to encourage its growth?
Or is in not worth saving?

Joan
25 Apr 2011, 03:11

My cymbidium orchid has bumps on the flower bloom. Do you know what has caused it.

Lois Conaway
26 May 2011, 06:57

My orchids have a sticky substance on the back of the leaves and are not blooming as they should. Should I destroy them or can I treat the problem?

Lindsey
21 Jul 2011, 22:47

My orchid has a soft spot in the middle of the top leaf and when you feel it, it feels like a velvet texture or atleast that is the best way I can describe it. I don't know what to do I am a first time orchid owner so it is the first time I am seeing it. Im not sure if I should cut the leaf off because it is a pretty big spot and you can feel it on the bottom of it to. Also if this helps it reminds me of like maybe it got smashed it's like that soft but I know it was not? Do you know what I should do? thanks in advance. Lindsey

Jill
01 Aug 2011, 04:12

Two of my orchids not only have sticky leaves with a 'fluffy' white substance in patches on them, but also have stems coated with with the white substance. Is this bacteria or the viral infection?
I have a few minutes ago sprayed them with Scotts Bug Gun. Will this cure the problem?
Many thanks
Jill

carrie
21 Aug 2011, 11:30

i have a phalaenopsis orchid plant for about a year. i cut the stem becuase it dry out the leave have be green for the last year and healthy, suddenly i know new leave coming nice and healty, and suddenly i notice the new leave have black spot and are yellowing. what happening pls advice

Lana Elliott
11 Sep 2011, 15:47

i have a phalaenopsis orchid plant. Suddenly the leaves are getting black spots, holes and are yellowing. what happening?

alan campbell
07 Oct 2011, 09:35

some of my orchids are suffering from sticky leaves how can i clean them up?

marilyn burt
06 Nov 2011, 02:19

i have about 12 orchids but 3 of my plants have sticky leaves what can i buy to get rid of it ??

vivian esler
20 Nov 2011, 11:12

what to do for sticky leaves on my orchids

Sally Herman
11 Dec 2011, 10:32

How can I see the answers to these questions?

Orchid-Aid.com

Orchid Diseases

Caring for Orchid

Orchid Pests

Comments