My orchid has bugs,what can i do? - Knowledgebase Question

Sacramento, Ca
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Question by christybus20
April 17, 2007
I've had my orchid for about two months now,and until recently i have had no problems.As i was watering yesterday i noticed tiny white bugs in the bark,and web-like strands hanging from the orchid.Also the leaves at the bottom are becoming mushy,two of them have fallen off.I don't know what to do.


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Answer from NGA
April 17, 2007
The webbing you describe leads me to believe that spider mites have infested your orchid. X-CLUDE, an encapsulated pyrethrum time-release insecticide, or Neem Oil are the most efficient methods of pest control. Remove the mushy leaves and adjust your watering schedule to stop the rot associated with waterlogged potting medium. Begin by giving the plant a week to dry out. Two possibilities may have occurred: 1) Orchids do not like to be left in standing water or 2) The time interval between watering is too short. For example, if the plant was watered every 7 days and became waterlogged, increase the time span in between watering to 10 days. Try to water the plants early in the day, so that the foliage will be dry by nightfall.

Best wishes with your orchid!

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