What if in the ground orchid bred white bugs?
Orchid - the favorite of many. It is not necessary to prove. Her grown, give or receive as a gift. Well-groomed and healthy, she is admired.
And the fact that it is something not so attentive owner of the flower is easy to notice.
Inspection of the plant showed that the soil is infected white bugs?
Consider the options:
1. root-knot nematodes. White or transparent worms 1.5 mm. A distinctive feature can serve as a small bulge on the roots, in which the larvae develop.
2. sublevels. Unlike other pests can be on the bifurcation at the end of the body. From this comes their second name - springtails. Mobile, jump up, run away quickly.
3. woodlice. Characterized by an oval shape of the body to 5-7mm.
4. root mealybug It has a ribbed body, elongated shape. In the ground and on the walls of the pot female forms plaque that resembles wool. Then the larvae develop.
Each of these pests feed on plant sap. Often damaged young roots. They are softer and more accessible. It inhibits the orchid, stunts, detract from the appearance.
If the plant is newly purchased, the substrate could be infected initially. But if it is - guarded, it is worth considering. Most likely, the conditions of detention violated.
Tips to fix the problem:
1. Replace with fresh substrate partially or completely, if possible.
2. Clean the orchid from the dead parts, remove yellowed basal leaves.
3. Arrange the root system of a good wash. It should be used not just water, and extracts, such as onions or garlic. Preparing simple: 20 g of raw material per 1 liter of water. Filled and insist 6-8 hours.
4. Improve aeration of the roots - drainage. This will remove the excess moisture. Such conditions soil pests do not like.
5. Treat the place where there is an orchid: shelf, sill, glass tray. For this fit solution or soap powders.
6. Arrange in several places flowerpot pieces of zest, chives, onion peel. Observed that such an environment deters soil animals.
Important: Remember, at several stages of development of the pests. It is not enough to get rid of the adults. Of the remaining eggs and larvae grow rapidly with new ones. Control measures need to be repeated many times.
Tips for prevention:
1. Avoid excess moisture. Make sure that the substrate is not got lost in dense clumps.
2. Remove all old: fertilizers, dead roots, leaves, changing drainage.
3. 1-2 times a month to wash and inspect the roots. The timely detection of the problem to solve is always easier.
A long bloom and beauty of orchids will be the deserved reward her caring owner.