Remember to check your orchids often so that you can take action before small problems from become bigger ones. Exotic, beautiful, with thousands of species and as many hybrids, orchids are popular with homeowners and can be an obsession for the serious collector. The Center for Landscape Conservation & Ecology, Management of Orchid Pests with Silwet® L-77 and Horticultural Oils, Physiological Disorders in Orchids: Mesophyll Cell Collapse, Cymbidium Orchids -- American Orchid Society, Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program, UF/IFAS Extension: Solutions for Your Life, Institute of Food & Agricultural Sciences (IFAS), College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS). Many of this latter group such as the hyacinth orchid, Bletilla striata, and the slipper orchids, Cypripedium spp, are found in warm- to cool-temperate climates, and do not perform well as perennials in South Florida. Prev. You can treat small pest problems on some orchids by dabbing the pests with a cotton swab that's been dipped in rubbing alcohol. With some diseases, you can remove the affected tissue with a clean knife and then treat the orchid with an appropriate bactericide or fungicide.

To repot an orchid, first remove the old media, as well as any dead or diseased roots before placing it in the new pot or on the new mounting. For larger infestations, you can wash the plants with water or use a horticultural oil or soap spray that's safe for use on orchids. I am always looking for plants to grow among my plumeria.
The most common orchid pests are scale, mealy bugs, thrips, and mites, especially if you're growing orchids as houseplants. More. Orchids typically prefer at least partial shade or filtered sunlight, and should be protected from cold temperatures.

You may need to repeat this process to get the pests in check. Most orchids need to be repotted every few years, and many can be divided into smaller plants.
Orchids need nutrients, but applying too much fertilizer can inhibit blooming. Most orchids need to be repotted every few years, and many can be divided into smaller plants. They are plants that communicate their needs with several visual indicators, so as long as you know what the signs are, taking care of your ground orchid is simple. Ground orchids flower year round and with the right conditions, they grow for years. In its native habitat, this orchid grows in a wide range of conditions from open grasslands to beaches. As far as fertilization is concerned, supplement the soil with a slow release liquid fertilizer in appropriate dosage before the flower buds have developed. Read all about them! Most orchids prefer bright, indirect light and won't bloom unless they're getting it. If your orchid sits in a dark corner, try moving it closer to a windowsill. Cut down on future disease problems by creating a healthy growing environment and practicing good sanitation. Next. Florida's ghost orchid is well known among plant lovers, but it's just one of the state's ninety-nine native orchid species.

Many orchids thrive in Florida's heat and humidity, like Cattleya and Phalaenopsis, and can do well in the home and around the yard. Orchids that are suffering from a disease may show symptoms like streaks, blotches, or even crinkling on their leaves, roots, or flowers. These materials all help to create the loose, well-drained environment that orchids crave. If the pests still won't go away, you can search for a stronger insecticide that's safe to use, though you should always start with the least toxic products first.