Penetrant aphids have no respect for raised orchids. Wherever the cunning pests have the opportunity, they boldly colonize the lush green leaves. Read here how you can effectively combat the plague with natural remedies.
How do I remove aphids from orchids?
To rid orchids of aphids, you can rinse them with water and wipe them with alcohol, spray on a soft soap solution or treat them with fern broth until no more lice are visible. Repeat the treatment every 2 to 3 days.
Symptoms and first aid measures
They are whitish-green, yellow or brown-black and, with a body length of up to 7 mm, are easy to see with the naked eye. Aphids usually live on the undersides of the leaves and suck up the plant sap. Typical symptoms include mottled, stunted leaves that turn yellow and die. Check your orchids regularly for infestation and take these immediate measures at the first sign:
- Pack the culture pot with a plastic bag
- Hold the orchid upside down and spray the leaves with a sharp jet of water
- Then wipe the leaves with a cloth soaked in alcohol
Isolate the infected orchid from other plants until you are sure the aphid infestation has been defeated.
Effective home remedies against aphids - tips for production and use
If immediate control with water does not achieve the desired result, the following home remedies are available to get rid of aphids:
Soap solution
Add 1 tablespoon of pure, liquid core soap or soft soap to 1 liter of lime-free water. For thick-leaved orchids, add 1 teaspoon of spirit. Put this solution in a spray bottle and treat the tops and bottoms of the leaves every 2 to 3 days. The treatment can be repeated until no more lice appear.
Fernwort broth
Pour 1 liter of water over 100 grams of fresh fern leaves and let everything steep for 24 hours. Then bring the broth to the boil and let it simmer gently for 30 minutes. After the brew has cooled, sieve off the leaves. Spray the orchid leaves and shoots infected with aphids with the fern broth twice a week until the pests have disappeared.
Tip
The fight against aphids should not be put off for a long time. The mostly wingless females are capable of producing virgins. Therefore, the pests spread explosively on orchids and other plants. This applies regardless of whether you cultivate the exotic flower as a houseplant all year round or place it on the summer balcony.
