In order to effectively combat pests on orchids, the specific pest species should be known. Effective remedies against lice rarely achieve the desired success when infested with spider mites. Here you can find out which characteristics you can use to recognize spider mites. Use our tips for targeted combat using ecologically responsible means.
How do you effectively fight spider mites on orchids?
Spider mites on orchids can be effectively combated with sprays containing neem, such as Compo Bio Insect-free Neem or the use of predatory mites in the greenhouse. High humidity and regular spraying of the plant with soft water have a preventative effect.
Appearance and symptoms of spider mites at a glance
To distinguish spider mites from other pests, please pay attention to the following combination of appearance and symptoms:
- Body size between 0.1 and 0.8 mm
- Body color mostly greenish, rarely orange, reddish or reddish brown
- Soft-skinned and bristle
- Adult spider mites with 8 legs, in the larval stage with 6 legs
- Often with extremely fine, white webs
- Stinging and sucking activity causes a silvery sheen on the leaves
- Brown-black discoloration of the foliage in the advanced stage
Spider mites bite into the leaf veins up to 20 times per minute, causing the tissue cells to collapse within a short period of time. The destructive activity can be recognized by the countless, light yellow speckles on the leaves. If no countermeasures are taken now, the leaves, shoots and ultimately the entire orchid will die.
Fighting spider mites without chemicals – tips for environmentally friendly means
They are tougher than aphids. Spider mites cannot be de alt with using tried and tested home remedies. In the early stages there are at least good prospects of freeing the orchid from the plague using the following ecological methods:
- Fight with sprays containing neem (€16.00 on Amazon), such as Compo Bio Insect-Free Neem
- Use predatory mites in the greenhouse as natural predators of spider mites
If the infestation has already brought your orchid to the brink of ruin, disposal should be considered to prevent further spread. If you don't want to give up on the parasites yet, we recommend using an acaricide, such as Spider Mite-Free Kanemite from Dr. Steeler. The new preparation promises to protect beneficial insects such as bees and lacewings.
Tip
The most effective form of prevention against spider mites is to keep the humidity as high as possible. Since orchids prefer a warm, humid tropical climate, it is in principle sufficient to observe the obligatory general conditions for the ideal location. Additionally, you can keep the pests at bay by regularly spraying the orchid with soft water.
