When the buds of an orchid open, delicate flowers emerge in the most brilliant colors. Shaped by an artist for eternity. And in fact, every flower stalk makes us happy for several weeks at a time. Unfortunately, orchids are not only popular with us humans. Mealybugs also appreciate these delicacies. They diligently suck the plant sap until there is nothing left of it. Is there a gentle way to fight them effectively?
Mealybug
Do mealybugs have to be specifically combated?
First of all, the mealybug is known by a few different names:
- actual name is mealybug
- because of the woolly hair it is called mealybug
- it is a scale species
- Scale insect, mealybug or mealybug: three names, one pest
Mealybugs have developed sucking on plants to perfection. It doesn't take long for all the sap to flow. It's the crowd that does it, because the more mealybugs attack the orchid, the faster they complete their destructive work. The only solution is that explosive proliferation to combat these pests and to get rid of the already existing specimens as quickly as possible. Then, and only then, can orchids be saved. They may be weak, but with time and proper care, they will recover.
detect mealybug infestation
How do you recognize a mealybug infestation?
If a mealybug cannot be overlooked when casually looking at the orchids, it is usually too late. These pests must be discovered and recognized much earlier so that control measures have any chance of success. Scale insects leave visible trails that need to be read.
- small white cotton balls on and under the leaves
- delicate white webs can be seen in the leaf axils
- Shooting of buds and leaves appears stunted
- brownish spots
- prematurely withering leaves and flowers
- sticky leaves from excreted honeydew
- Sooty fungi like honeydew
- recognizable by the black discoloration of the leaves
Where do mealybugs come from anyway?
Mealybugs often arrive as an uninvited companion newly purchased plant in our living rooms or in the garden. They continue to multiply there and weaken the affected plant more and more. But that's not all, they soon discover the healthy plants in the neighborhood. You have to fight them as soon as possible, otherwise they will infest and destroy one plant after the other. In particular, locations with little light, dry and warm heating air and incorrect fertilization make orchids an inviting treat for mealybugs, which feel particularly comfortable under these conditions and multiply diligently.
Get rid of mealybugs
Quarantine: the first sensible step
Regardless of whether only the signs of the infestation are recognizable or whether the mealybug can be seen on the orchids with the naked eye, the infested plant must be removed from healthy plants immediately isolated will. This eliminates the high risk of infection. The actual fighting can then begin at their new location.
Home remedies or rather chemistry?
In the early phase of the infestation, mealybugs can be effectively combated with many home remedies. A home remedy is more environmentally friendly than a chemical insecticide and should be given priority. When used properly, home remedies are also gentler on orchids and usually much cheaper than insecticides. However, the associated workload is greater than with a chemical agent. Saving work would also be the only reason to reach for the chemical bottle right away. If the infestation is far advanced, home remedies will hardly help. But neither is chemistry.
If the orchid can no longer be saved, it should be sent immediately to the residual waste be disposed of.
suitable home remedies
shower
Water washes away the mealybugs
The cheapest method, and one that is least harmful to the orchids, is to wash away the lice with a hard jet of water. In order not to put the orchid under water, you should proceed as follows
- Pack the pot of the infested orchid in a watertight plastic bag
- Rinse loose parts of the plant with lukewarm tap water. The more stubborn the orchid variety, the harder the water jet it can tolerate
- Turn the orchid upside down and rinse thoroughly again
- dab the leaves with a soft cloth to prevent limescale from forming after drying
- then remove the plastic bag from the orchid pot
This home remedy is particularly effective against the young brood of the pests. Adult mealybugs cover themselves with a protective wax layer, on which the water rolls off well. They have also bitten into the plant, so that even a hard jet of water has no effect. So do not stop at this measure, alone it is not enough to completely combat the mealybugs.
tip: If your tap water is very hard, it is better to use a pressure sprayer with decalcified tap water or rainwater.
alcohol
Alcohol attacks adult mealybugs
Alcoholic solutions have active ingredients that can dissolve the waxy layer of mealybugs. Without this layer, the alcohol works even further and also damages the "exposed" mealybugs.
- Dampen a cloth with alcohol and use it to wipe all the leaves
- Don't forget the subpages
- Hard-to-reach places must not be left out
- Cotton swabs dipped in alcohol are helpful here
- Repeat application every 2-3 days
- until all symptoms are gone
Butterfly orchids have sturdy leaves and withstand multiple alcohol baths well. But other stubborn species are also predestined for this home remedy. However, care should be taken with orchids that have softer leaves. If there are any doubts as to whether they will survive the procedure well, it is better to switch to another home remedy.
Phalaenopsis, butterfly orchid
Solutions with soft soap
Scientific studies show that soft soap solutions more effective against mealybugs act as many an insecticide. But unlike chemicals, this product does not pose any health risks for the user.
- Dissolve about 30 grams of curd or soft soap in one liter of water (warm, decalcified water is best)
- add a few dashes of spirit
- Pour the cooled mixture into a hand spray bottle
- Spray the orchid thoroughly, do not miss a spot
- put a transparent plastic bag over the orchid and close it tightly, the lack of fresh air increases the effect of the soap solution
- Repeat treatment every 2-3 days until it is absolutely certain that mealybugs are no longer alive
- spray again after 14 days, as the eggs of these pests are not destroyed by the soap solution and new mealybugs can hatch
tip: Curd soap finely grated with a household grater dissolves more easily in water. Depending on the type of soap, the consistency of the solution may be too thick to spray. Just add some warm water to dilute.
Rapeseed oil water emulsion
Cover the pesky pests with a mist of canola oil and water in a ratio of 7:3. There is no escape for the mealybugs. Here are a few things to keep in mind when fighting:
- Add 1% soft soap solution as an emulsifier
- only treat hard-leaved orchids with it
- Spray the tops and undersides of the leaves
- Sun exposure is unfavourable
- therefore spray in the evening
- Place the orchid in a shady spot
- Spray rapeseed oil solution no more than 3 times
tip: Paraffin oil can also be used instead of rapeseed oil. The ideal composition is 12 grams per liter of water.
Mealybugs on the back of an orchid flower
neem oil
Neem oil stops the larvae from developing
The oil is pressed from the seeds of the neem tree and is a purely natural product. Nevertheless, special care is required when handling it, because direct skin contact can occur allergic reactions to lead. The oil can be bought in specialist shops. Follow the manufacturer's instructions when using it. Continue to use it consistently so that the cycle of reproduction of mealybugs is effectively interrupted.
Ecological means from the trade
If you don't have time to make your own spray solutions, you can now discover some ecological remedies against mealybugs on the market. Because these also contain home remedies such as rapeseed oil, soft soap and the like. Let us advise you on which of these is most suitable for you.
Eating enemies as hard-working helpers
Ichneumon wasps, ladybirds and lacewing larvae are not welcome guests in living spaces. In doing so, they fight beneficials Mealybugs whenever some cross their path. However, if orchids are thriving in a greenhouse, this type of biological control is definitely worth considering. You can find a number of addresses for these hard-working helpers on the Internet.
