Mealybugs on orchidssuck the sap from above-ground parts of plants, causing them to weaken and, in extreme cases, to die. These pests can be recognized by their characteristic appearance - their bodies are covered with waxy secretion which, while drying, takes on the appearance of white shreds of wool. Seewhere mealybugs on orchids come fromand how to prevent these pests from attacking. Here are proven ways tofighting mealybugs on orchidsand getting rid of these pests quickly and efficiently!
Mealworms on orchids
Where do mealybugs on orchids come from?
The mealybugs for orchids can getthrough windows and the ventilation network. They can also inhabit plants that we put on balconies and terraces in summer. They remain dormant most of the time - skillfully hidden in the leaf axils, in developing flower buds or in the substrate. When the external conditions become favorable for them, i.e. the air humidity drops and the temperature rises, they start feeding. Therefore, usuallymealybugs appear on orchids in winter, during the heating season
Wełnówka can also be transported to our home along with the newly bought plants. Especially oftenmealybugs inhabit orchids sold in shopping centers and DIY stores , where a lot of different plants are accumulated on small areas, and their storage conditions are not always optimal.Before buying, carefully inspect the selected plant for the presence of pests or symptoms of their zeroing.Mealybugs are most often found on orchidsthe outer side of flowers and flower shoots (in places left over from fallen flowers) and leaves. They form clusters that may resemble the pattern of petals on the flowers.
After bringing home a new orchid, it is good to quarantine it - place it alone, away from other flowers, do not unpack it from the foil and watch for mealybugs or other pests.
How to fight mealybugs on orchids?
When we observeon the leaves and flowering shoots of orchids, single specimens of mealybugsshould be gently removed as soon as possible, so as not to damage the tissues, with a cotton swab. The swab is soaked with an aqueous solution of gray soap, denatured alcohol or 40% alcohol and water (in a ratio of 1: 10) with the addition of a few drops of washing-up liquid.Washing the above-ground parts of the plant with vinegar is equally effective. With a cotton swab soaked in the solution, make only one stroke at a time to avoid carrying the mealybugs. For the treatment to be successful, we need to wash the entire plant (all leaves and inflorescence shoots).Flowers attacked by mealybugsunfortunately have to be removed.
What to combat mealybugs on orchids
Washing mealybugs from orchid leaves with cotton padsis a tedious job and will only work in the case of single insects. In the case of a mass appearance of pests, you need to performspraying on mealybugs on orchidsWe can use for this purpose, for example, Agricolle concentrate by dissolving 4 ml of the agent in 1 liter of water or use ready-to-spray Agrocover Spray (ready-to-use preparation in a container with a sprayer). The plant must be thoroughly sprayed with the working liquid and tightly wrapped in a foil bag.Leave the plant protected in this way for a few hours. Then rinse the dead mealybugs from the plant with water from the shower.
Spraying orchids against mealybugswith Agricolle may turn out to be ineffective, because the waxy secretion covering the body of the mealybugs effectively protects them from falling liquid. A much better solution is to use preparations with a systemic effect for watering plants, eg Polysect Long Acting 005 SL. Dissolve 60 ml of the agent in 1 l of water. 100 ml of such liquid is used for 1 liter of medium. Instead, we can also use the ready-to-use Polysect Hobby spray. Systemic agents penetrate inside the plant and circulate with its juices. Mealybugs take the preparation while sucking their juices and become poisoned.
Mealybugs, unfortunately, often reappear on orchidsIn order to prevent pests from reappearing, it is necessary to create unfavorable conditions for them.The most important thing is to maintain an elevated air humidity in the room. Prophylactically, you can place Provado Care sticks in the substrate.
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MSc Eng. Agnieszka Lach
