Although orchidaceous plant rarely come up in discussions about exploiter - well-disposed plant life , maybe they should . Those unfamiliar with orchids often imagine them as pampered , prima - donna houseplants or else of tough - as - nail perennials . The reality is that some orchid , such as showy lady ’s slippers ( Cypripedium reginae ) , shrug off the sub - zero winters in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant life hardiness zona 2 through 7 . Others , such as delicate moth orchidaceous plant ( Phalaenopsis spp . ) , are indoors - only except in USDA zone 10 through 12 . Indoors or outside , orchid often attract hungry lily-white bug .
Step 1
The only orchid parts safe fromboisduval scale insectsare the root word and flowers . All stages , from newly hatched nymphs to testis - put down adults , attach to and debilitate sap from orchidaceous plant ' leaves , leaf stems , pseudobulbs and ascendant . In the process , they put in the plant tissue paper with cell - destroying , tissue paper - yellow toxins . Without early discussion , an plague may toss off its legion orchidaceous plant . Boisduval scale often hide beneath an orchid ’s old foliage . They also shelter under the papery screening of pseudobulbs — podlike structures beneath the leave at the base of operations of many orchid potpourri . The grownup male person eat in groups resemble flake of cotton wool wool . Waxy , white protective coverings conceal the nut - laying females . Immediately isolate infested orchid , if possible , and wipe the insects off with cotton orchis dipped in 70 - percent rubbing intoxicant . Do n’t forget the rhizome and roots . * * When they ’re dry , clean them again to remove dead female person hold eggs under their shell . * * reprise every two to three workweek until the plague is under control .
Step 2
Managing Mealybugs
Whipping Whiteflies
Four - winged miniskirt - moths track in fine blanched wax , whiteflies congregate on the spine of orchidaceous plant leaf and swarm from the plants in cloud when disturbed . Like weighing machine and mealybugs , they weaken the plants by enfeeble sap from the bud , flowers and tender new growth . They also excrete honeydew and may kill their host if not controlled . For quick removal of a small whitefly universe , lap outdoor orchids down with a hunky-dory spray of hosiery water . Move indoor plant to the shower or sink for the same treatment . Collecting the pests with a battery - operate vacuum for disposition in sealed plastic bags also works , if done early in the break of day when they ’re lethargic . Ready - to - use insecticidal soap also controls whiteflies when apply in the same way .
Preventing Problems
To stop fuss before it start out , * * scrutinize and — if necessary — treat every newfangled orchid for hemipterous insect before introducing it to elder ones . * * Removing old leaves and spent flower sheaths deprives mealybugs and boisduval scale of their favorite hiding seat . Whiteflies like dust . Rinsing the orchids and nearby plant and hose down down garden paseo regularly may admonish them .
References
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