How to identify negative factors and diseases of orchids

Orchids are resistant to diseases and pests. However, some ailments still damage the plants. It's important to know how to check orchids for diseases, including potential negative factors and ailments. We check the condition of the leaves, which can be used to judge the health of the flowers.

Healthy orchids have bright, strong leaves. Damaged specimens have dry, bloomy leaves. At the first sign of illness, the flowers should be rescued immediately. Otherwise, the plants may die.

How to determine if an orchid is sick?

Healthy, bright green leaves are a sign that the orchid is developing normally. Problematic leaves are immediately noticeable. They most often become limp and begin to turn yellow. Furthermore, the leaf blades wrinkle and lose their attractiveness.

It's important to know that orchids shed their lower leaves once a year. This is a natural process, so don't be alarmed.

How to determine the cause of the disease?

Orchid problems most often arise from improper care. To determine what your orchid needs, you need to learn about the optimal growing conditions.

Orchids respond well to diffused light. Direct sunlight can damage the plant, causing burns on the leaves. Avoid placing the plant container in shaded areas. The leaves will become limp and brittle.

Improper watering can also have a detrimental effect on orchids. Plants should be watered once a week. During winter, the frequency of watering should be reduced. Now you know how to check orchids for diseases, including negative factors and illnesses. However, you also need to know how to treat orchid diseases.

Orchid diseases

The plant is quite sensitive and can be damaged by many diseases. The most common are:

Powdery mildew

A fungal disease, the first signs appear on the leaves as a white coating. Over time, the flower's appearance changes, eventually leading to its death.

The main cause of powdery mildew is poor indoor conditions. High temperatures and humidity may be the cause.

To protect plants from diseases, they must be sprayed with Fitosporin.

Spotting

As a result of the infection, the leaf blades become dark in color and ulcers appear. Damaged leaves eventually fall off.

At the first signs of disease, the leaves must be removed or treated with iodine solution.

Anthracnose

This disease is very common, causing white spots to appear on the leaves. Over time, these spots turn black.

Rust

Young flowers are particularly susceptible and are the first to be damaged. The rust develops inside the leaves, gradually moving outward.

To protect plants from the disease, leaf blades must be treated with alcohol, and the plants must be sprayed with a preparation such as Skor.

Don't forget that you need to frequently check your orchids for diseases and identify any negative factors.

Gray rot

Another disease is rot, which appears as spots on the leaves. High humidity is the main cause of rot. A product like Kendal can help combat this disease.

Fusarium rot

Another common disease that can kill flowers. The first signs of the disease appear on the leaves, causing the leaf blades to curl and turn yellow. A solution of Fundazol will help protect the flowers.

Preventive measures

To prevent illnesses from making their presence known, it's important to take preventative measures. These include the following:

• watering should be regular, but not more than once every 3 days;
• don't forget about spraying;
• Daily ventilation of the room will help orchids develop in normal conditions.

If you care for your orchids properly, check for diseases promptly, and identify any negative factors, your flowers will delight you with their magnificent blooms for a long time. This will allow you to create a cozy and fragrant corner in your home.