TheNaturePlanet

While caring for plants can be a soothing hobby, improper care can lead to an infestation of small insects that fly around everywhere. These pests not only affect the enjoyment of your plants but also tend to parasitize the plants, multiplying and increasing in number. So, what should you do when you encounter such issues during plant care?

Take the Phalaenopsis orchid, one of the most popular plants in recent years, for example. The most common pests on this plant are scale insects, aphids, and whiteflies. These pests are typically found on plants in poorly ventilated areas, where they secrete sap on mature leaves. This sap leads to fungal infections on the leaves, and the pests use the fungus and sap to reproduce and multiply.

If Phalaenopsis orchids become infested with scale insects, aphids, or whiteflies, the edges of the leaves where the sap is secreted will turn dark brown. Fungi multiply rapidly within days, and you will notice black, sticky spots on the leaves that feel slimy to the touch.

Although this disease doesn't directly harm the orchid, the fungal threads on the leaves block sunlight, reducing the plant's ability to photosynthesize. Additionally, the leaves will appear dirty and unsightly, affecting the plant's overall appearance.

Dealing with pests is not difficult, though. First, it’s best to choose a regular, non-hybrid Phalaenopsis orchid, as they tend to be more disease-resistant. Second, ensure good ventilation in the growing environment to prevent scale insects, aphids, and whiteflies. Before any diseases appear, you can spray a 5° Be sulfur-lime solution for prevention (available at flower shops), spraying once every 10 days for two consecutive times.

When pests have already appeared, simply wipe the black soot on the leaves with a damp cloth. If there are only a few pests, you can use alcohol wipes to clean the leaves a few times, and this will quickly resolve the issue. You can also purchase insect-catching blue traps online and place them near the pot. The pests will be attracted to the traps, get stuck, and be unable to escape. Lastly, if the pests have been reproducing for some time and their numbers are high, you can use a 50% Pyridaben wettable powder diluted to 2000 times, a 50% Imidacloprid wettable powder diluted to 1000 times, or a 23.7% Epoxiconazole wettable powder diluted to 1000 times, spraying every two to four weeks.