Far from their tropical home in the rainforests, numerous fungi lurk on orchids. The most common culprits are the pathogens of black spot disease. However, you are not completely helpless against the attacks. Read here what options are available to you for combating fungal infestation.
How do you treat fungal infections on orchids?
If fungal infections occur on orchids, isolate the infected plant, cut off infected leaves with disinfected tools (€6.00 on Amazon) and treat the orchid with a cinnamon-water emulsion, charcoal powder or garlic decoction. Repeated use can eliminate fungal infestation.
Treat brown-black spots with natural remedies - Here's how it works
As long as a fungal infection is in the early stages, it is not absolutely necessary to use a chemical fungicide. The following approaches have proven successful in combating the widespread black spot disease:
- Immediately isolate the infected orchid from other plants
- In the quarantine quarters, first cut out or cut off the infected leaves using disinfected tools (€6.00 on Amazon)
- In a bowl, mix cinnamon with water to form an emulsion and brush the entire orchid with it
- Alternatively, dust all dark spots repeatedly with charcoal powder
Garlic decoction has made a name for itself as a third treatment option for fungal infections. To do this, crush 5 cloves and scald them with 500 ml of boiling water. After the liquid has been allowed to steep for 4 hours, pour it through a fine filter and fill the brew into a hand sprayer. Applied undiluted, the stubborn disease will soon be history after repeated use.
Don't confuse mealybug infestation with mildew
If a mealy, gray-white coating spreads on the leaves, the first diagnosis is usually powdery mildew. In fact, orchids are rarely the victims of powdery mildew spores. What appears to be a thick patch of fungus is usually caused by mealybugs and mealybugs. To be on the safe side, wipe it with a cloth. If a greasy, white film forms, you are dealing with widespread pests and not a fungal infestation.
Tip
Not all mushrooms are bad for orchids. The mycorrhizal fungus enters into a beneficial symbiosis with seedlings. Since the seeds of orchids are not equipped with nutrient tissue, the mycorrhizal fungus takes on this task as part of sowing and growing. In return, the fungi benefit from the photosynthesis of their host plants.
