Sie sind hier: Diseases
Zurück zu: Homepage
Allgemein: Sitemap On the web

Diseases

1 - Introduction
2 - Better safe than sorry
a) State of the roots
b) Moisture level of the subtrate
c) State of the leaves
d) Control environmental factors

3 - Diseases
a) Fungi
b) Bacteria
c) Virus

4 - Pest-Insects
5 - Issues associated with poor environmental conditions

1- Introduction

On this page we will describe the different problems that we can find caring our orchids.
Before we have a differentiation according to the origin of the problem, we talk about diseases (due to fungi, bacteria or viruses), pests (insects caused by parasites) and problems associated with a poor farming conditions (light, temperature, humidity, etc..). Clearly these factors are closely related. So, some poor ventilation and humidity can be a easy way to get our orchids infected. But before we delve into the treatment of diseases, some guidance will be exposed to prevent and avoid illness.

2 - Better safe than sorry:

It is necessary to establish a regular eye on our plants. It is advised to follow a protocol that includes the following:

Factors to control:

a) State of the roots

One of the most conclusive evidence about the health of an orchid is the status of its roots. Therefore, we should always first look at them rather than any other part of the plant. A green estate with a hydrated texture indicate good health, dried roots (white) indicate lack of water. Meanwhile, the dark color usually indicate that death of the plant.

It is normal that all plants have some fragments that die, this is not a sympton of illness, the plant creates new outbreaks, it is eliminating those older. However, in a healthy plant must prevail strong roots, hydrated and a light green color.

In some species, the observation of the roots can not be carried out with as much detail because they do not use transparent containers or their roots are not aerial. (dendrobidium, oncidium, cattleya, etc..).

b) Moisture level of the substrate

We must be vigilant to the moisture level of the substrate. It is generally advised to leave it to dry slightly between waterings but without thorough drying. The color of the roots will give us clues about the humidity level. Remember that when the roots are White it is an indicator of lack of water.

In any case we should avoid standing water and drainage must be perfect. We also prevent water spray irrigation or be retained between the leaves at the portion which bind the stem.

c) State of the leaves

After the observation of the roots, a periodic look of the leaves can spare us many problems. We must be attentive to the coloring. A dark brownish green is indicative of excess light and can burn the exposed part. The different shades of green in its middle range would be a suitable indicator light. Yellowing of leaves may indicate lack of light.

Another important parameter is the texture of the leaf. The leaves of the orchids are storehouses of plant nutrients. Fallen and weak leaves can assume lack of water, nutrients or disease. Contrary fleshy leaves projecting upward force are indicators of good health.

Finally we note the presence of stains, discoloration or texture in some areas, cracks or marks on the leaf. It is about an early detection of insects, fungi or bacteria and treating time as discussed below.

d) Control enviromental factors

As far as possible, it is highly advisable to have instruments to measure temperature (maximum and minimum) and moisture. These measures give us information on two basic factors for the care of orchids.
In our section: Caring at Home, is available all the necessary information about humidity values and temparature.

3 - Diseases

Here are generically distinct common diseases as the causative agent. Remember that these diseases may occur together if the necessary conditions. So fungi and bacteria can attack simultaneously if there is excess moisture or poor ventilation. In turn, the presence of certain insects (aphids) may facilitate the spread of the fungi.

a) Fungi

Fungi are one of the main scourges of orchids, however, can be successfully combated if we detect the problem early.

Generally present with dark spots on leaves and flowers. They can also do this by changing the color of the leaves to a tone that can vary from yellow to brown, black or gray, depending on conditions and the type of plant.

Normally, an excessive moisture or water retention with high temperatures and poor ventilation facilitate the appearance of fungi in their various forms. The best measure is to control all of these conditions and use a specific fungicide preventively especially in spring. Consult first your gardener because orchids are very sensitive to any type of chemical treatment and some generic products may burn the leaves.

Below some examples are presented of fungal infestation.

b) Bacteria

Bacteria are pathogens that often cause spots on the leaves or pseudobulbs with a common appearance of watery texture and darkening. The parts of the plant that are infected lose texture and die quickly.

Bacterias usually need high humidity to develop but once they have infected a plant it is often lethal. The recommendation is to cut the affected part, isolate the plant and do not water for a while to prevent their proliferation.

Sometimes bacterial attack occurs in the neck of the plant by water retention. In such cases the plant can die quickly because of rotting of the main stem. Ensure that no water retention occurring at the base of the leaves.

There is no effective chemical treatment, however, if you detect the problem in time we can try to disinfect the affected area with powdered cinnamon. Cinnamon is a powerful natural remedy with antifungal, antibacterial and insecticidal properties, also has no side effects on the plant because it is a natural product.

c) Virus

Virus are also another common problem. Their attack causes a variety of symptoms. The most common symptoms are dark spots or dots / black leaves. Typically, involvement usually occurs in the upper part of the leaf but can appear anywhere. Other symptoms include chlorosis (yellowing leaves), malformed leaves and flowers. There is no effective treatment. If we detect the problem in a certain area, the best thing to do is to cut with a tool previously disinfected. If the plant is very empowered must proceed with removal (preferably by burning, if possible, to eliminate the virus).

4) Pests - Insects

Pests and infestations include attacks by small insects that normally live on plant nutrients and therefore create problems of various kinds.

The most popular and common are called aphids. These tiny insects live sucking sap from plants that colonize. Their development is very fast and can create extensive colonies shortly. In addition to direct effects on the plant (stop growth, malformations, etc..) Can transmit a variety of diseases, especially virus.

Other parasites that attack our orchids are mealybugs (normally distinguished by having a White cottony texture ); mites (eg red spider) that usually attack to outbreaks producing malformation and the presence of small marks; insects called sappers who specialize in creating small galleries inside the leaves, appearing on the outside of the blade markings by way of lines or cuts; eventually we include other insects (small caterpillars or other) that directly eat the leaf and erosions occur, especially at the edges of the leaf.

The basic treatment is insecticide and acaricide. The use of so-called ecological suggest (such as neem extract) as they are less aggressive. In any case, before purchasing an insecticide, consult your garden center with the ability to use orchids. Cinnamon may also be utilized in powder in cases where infestation is not very severe.

The cottony mealybug:

Mite attack

A part of disease or parasite attacks we discussed earlier, orchids can be irreparably damaged due to a poor environmental conditions. Also, do not have the basic necessities of light, temperature, humidity or other, weaken the plant and favor, according conditions, the emergence and proliferation of the diseases mentioned.

Here are the symptoms of a bad environmental conditions are presented.

Issues associated with poor environmental

Please rate this page by clicking on the icons.