Caring for plants not only tests a person’s skills but also their patience, because sometimes a plant’s sudden condition can be frustrating. One of the most common complaints is about the hard work of watering, fertilizing, and ventilating the plant, only for the petals to suddenly deteriorate, or the flowers to bloom only to quickly rot into a mushy mess, which is truly bothersome.
When experiencing such situations, plant owners often find themselves questioning what went wrong, constantly reflecting on their mistakes. However, it’s not necessarily your fault! Many issues could be caused by "pests." While Phalaenopsis orchids are not typically prone to pests, as long as the temperature and environment are suitable, pests can still appear, and these tiny bugs can easily ruin your orchid.
First, pests can damage the leaves. They constantly chew on tender leaves and newly opened buds, and if not noticed for a few days, what were once shiny, smooth leaves can quickly become covered with small holes, as if pricked by needles. The newly growing petals will suffer even more, with jagged edges, and some may even be missing chunks. Not only is it unpleasant to display at home, but it’s also embarrassing to give away as a gift.
Secondly, pests such as aphids and red spiders feed on the plant’s nutrients. They crawl on the underside of the leaves or flower stems, using their needle-like mouths to pierce the plant, causing it to suffer from malnutrition and eventually die. What’s even more frustrating is that when the plant is supposed to be blooming, the buds may not grow at all and will eventually wither away.
Finally, these pests can carry diseases, crawling around and spreading infections. During this time, they can pick up more pathogens and spread them to other plants, especially those with fresh cuts or new growth. These plants might get infected by the pests and show signs like yellowing, rotting, or brown spots.
Therefore, pest infestations should never be ignored. When watering or fertilizing, take the time to check the undersides of the leaves, flower stems, and other hidden areas. If you spot even one pest, take immediate action. Don’t wait for a couple of days, because by then, saving the plant might be much harder.
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