How to Tell If Insects Are Nibbling Your Just Add Ice Orchid

Eons ago, insects developed with flowering plants. Plants and insects have a symbiotic relationship. Plants rely on insects for pollination. In turn, insects rely on plants for food and often lay their eggs on plants to provide hatching young with a ready food source. Even with good care, insects will occasionally attack even the healthiest Just Add Ice Orchid. When that happens, Just Add Ice Orchid owners can find information about common Phalaenopsis orchid pests on our website.

It’s wise to periodically inspect your orchid for signs of insect invasion. Most insect infestations are easily thwarted with minimal damage to the orchid when discovered early. The most common orchid pests to watch are:

Scale. If you see tiny black insects crawling on the undersides of leaves or find small white bumps along the leaves or flower spike of your orchid, scale is the culprit.

Spider mites. If the air in your home is exceptionally dry, you may find tiny yellow-green spider mites crawling on the undersides of orchid leaves. Small webs may also be evident. Small yellow spots may also develop at feeding sites and occasionally the entire leaf will turn yellow.

Mealy bugs. The appearance of what looks like tiny cotton tufts on your orchid is a sign of mealy bug infestation. Mealy bugs may also be seen in the potting mix.

To control orchid pests: Gently wipe insects off leaves with a cotton ball dipped in a very small amount of alcohol. Remove mealy bugs from soil. Lightly spray orchids with an ultra-fine horticultural oil or insecticidal soap diluted with water (available at garden centers). Apply spray late in the day. If insects are found on one orchid, all plants should be treated to prevent insects from spreading to other plants. Avoid using heavy dormant horticultural oils as they can damage your orchid.

Photo by: DanCentury