White spots on orchid leaves. What diseases are there in the leaves of the phalaenopsis orchid? Step by step instructions for treatment

Phalaenopsis is the most popular orchid hybrid. It differs in its capriciousness, is susceptible to the negative influence of many diseases, and is susceptible to pests.

Therefore, apart from proper care behind him, you need to know how to deal with pests and "sores". Let's take a closer look at these issues.

Phalaenopsis orchid diseases

This orchid can have a lot of diseases. We will list only the main ones, and find out how they manifest themselves.

Powdery mildew

Refers to fungal infections. It manifests itself in the form of a plaque on leaf plates. It can be white or purple. Appearance flower changes as if it was sprinkled with white powder.

The disease is very insidious and can completely kill the plant. The main reason for its manifestation is elevated temperature and the humidity of the air in the room, which provoke the "steaming" of the flower.

For prevention purposes, it is necessary to systematically spray the flower with Fitosporin. If the flower is already sick, then it is necessary to apply Skor spray, or a mixture based on colloidal sulfur.

Spotting

Also bacterial in nature. Its main symptoms are a change in the color of the leaves to darker, sometimes yellow ones. They develop ulcers that constantly release fluid. The leaves can also lose their elasticity and fall off.

The treatment of this ailment consists in removing the diseased leaf or treating the ulcer with iodine solutions.

Anthracnose

A very common disease. It appears, as a rule, on sheet plates. At first, small round spots form on them, which gradually begin to turn black. After a while, a yellow bloom appears on these spots.

The cause of the disease is high air humidity, as well as the accumulation of liquid in the leaf plates.

Rust

Fungal infection. It affects the leaves. The most "sensitive" to this disease are weak and young flowers. Rust begins to "act" from the inside of the leaf and gradually turns outward in the form of red spots. Fungus causes infection.

Rust control methods are quite simple - all affected leaves must be treated with alcohol, and then sprayed with agents such as Skor, Mikasan or Ritomil.

Fusarium, root, gray and brown rot

Gray rot is a frequent "companion" of Phalaenopsis. This disease manifests itself in the form of gray spots on the sheets, which can have a wide variety of shapes. From above, such spots are fluffy. The main reasons for the appearance of such rot are the same high air humidity.

Almost any rot can be fought by systematically spraying the plant with Kendal. It acts in such a way that it protects the plant from diseases for a long time, and successfully copes with rot.

Root rot appears on those flowers that are already susceptible to the negative influence of various fungi and bacteria. To get rid of the problem, you need to treat the affected leaf with colloidal sulfur.

Another common Phalaenopsis disease is fusarium rot. The leaf plates begin to turn yellow and curl. The color of such rot has a gray tint. It is necessary to treat with 0.3% Fundazole solution.

Brown rot shows up as bright brown “rashes” on the sheets. You can deal with it using the same methods as in previous cases.

Sooty mushrooms

Young and weak flowers located in poorly ventilated rooms with high air humidity can be affected. But, main reason, on which the fungus appears - pests (aphids, whiteflies, etc.).

Sooty fungi clog the pores of the plant, disrupt metabolic processes in its system. If this infection spreads to the entire "organism" of the flower, it can lead to its death.

Treatment of orchid diseases Phalaenopsis

The main cause of Phalaenopsis diseases is high air humidity and improper care. And, if you notice the manifestation of any "sores", then most likely the plant will die (if you do not take action).

What to do in case of a flower disease:

These measures will be enough to heal the flower.

Phalaenopsis orchid pests

Let's now figure out what pests Phalaenopsis have, and how to deal with them.

Aphid

Aphids can be: gray, green, black and yellow. It "settles" on thin sprouts and peduncles. It can hit the plant while still in the store, or fly through the window. He builds his "farm" on the flower.

Aphids can eat the roots of Phalaenopsis, which further leads to the complete death of the plant. You can get rid of the pest with the help of fungicides.

Whiteflies

Outwardly they look like white fluffy butterflies. They eat the stems, flowers and leaves of the plant, causing it to turn yellow. Plants with thick and dense leaves are not affected.

Whiteflies lay their larvae yellow color, which can be located both on the leaves of the flower, and under them, less often - on the stems.

Thrips

Small pests 2-5 mm. in length, they look like elongated "sticks", which have 2 pairs of wings, and move very quickly. Thrips, as soon as they sit on the plant, immediately try to hide in it, therefore, they can only be identified at night, and only with the help of a flashlight.

They manifest themselves as small black dots on the sheets, they can create some "roots" that look like various plexuses. These insects lay eggs in the tissue of the leaf plate, therefore, it is very difficult to get rid of them.

Shields

1-2 mm in size., Scale insects densely plant flower leaves, and remain there for long term, up to several months. Females have neither legs nor wings, and when they eat the plant, they secrete a viscous liquid.

Most often, scale insects settle on the plant in whole groups, and if you remove the pest from the leaf, then a kind of wound will remain on it, which must be sprinkled with coal or cinnamon.

Mites

Several types of mites can be found on the orchid. The most difficult thing is to determine whether the color has become infected at home or else in the store. The main pests of this family practically do not differ from each other, but the symptoms of their "presence" are the same, and appear as white dots on the leaves.

The result - the flowers of the plant begin to curl, fall off, a cobweb becomes noticeable on them. The ticks themselves can be yellow or red, and their larvae are greenish and almost invisible.

Most often on Phalaenopsis, you can find: common tick, false spider mite and flattened tick. All these types of bodies are divided into 3 parts: middle, back and front.

There is also a root mite, which is the roots of a flower. It penetrates into the interior of the plant, making hollow filaments from the roots. As a result, the plant dies completely. The color of such a tick is yellow or white, the shape is oval.

The carapace mite resembles a pea, there is a plant organics. You can find it on leaf plates, bulbs and on the walls near the flower. It lays gray larvae, you can find it on the plant without problems.

Mealybug

It resembles a light fluffy lump. If you look closely, you will notice that it has antennae, and the body is ribbed, adapted for rapid movement over the plant.

The mealybug is the most dangerous for the plant, since its presence at the initial pores is practically not manifested in any way. And when the leaves are already beginning to turn yellow, then, most likely, the plant can no longer be saved.

This pest is carried along with dust, wind, etc. It often climbs onto Phalaenopsis from another infected plant. Also, it can be in the soil where the flower is planted.

Developing and colonizing, the pests begin to lay eggs in prominent places of the flower, but always in the shade. At first, young individuals will stick together, and then they will begin to creep away, looking for new places to "settle".

Phalaenopsis orchid pest control methods

After purchasing a flower, do not immediately put it on the windowsill. Especially, near other flowers or plants, as they may already have pests, or they are already "sick".

What are the flowering problems associated with?

Phalaenopsis is most often acquired precisely because of its simply amazing flowering. But, poor lighting and insufficient ventilation of the room can lead to the fact that the flowers become lethargic.

If spots of any color appear on the sheets, then this may also indicate stuffiness in the room, or too low a temperature. If there is no color at all, the reason lies in the wrong temperature.

The color may not be due to diseases of the peduncles. The most common ones are:

• Green bloom. The reason is high humidity, the formation of algae. Such a plaque must be removed with gauze dipped in water, or potassium permanganate, soapy water;
• Cracks. Arise due to the careless movement of the flower;
• Yellowing and wilting of leaves. The reasons are improper watering, too frequent treatment of the flower with Fundazol;
• Bacterial rot. Is removed complete removal affected leaf plates. Fungicides can be used;
• Viral activity. It appears as dark spots, stripes and streaks. Such a plant must be destroyed;
• Sunburn. They are "treated" by moving the flower to a darker place, and all withered flowers removed.

Prevention and care at home

• Make sure that there are no spots or any other "pathologies" on the leaves and flowers;
• Protect the plant from mechanical damage, shaking, etc .;
• If the stem or flower is broken, the cut site must be disinfected;
• Do not allow too much moisture or dryness of the soil;
• It is important to provide Phalaenopsis with proper lighting and temperature regime;
• Process the plant systematically with special fertilizers.

For orchids of this type, well-lit, scattered sunlight premises. In nature, phalaenopsis grow on trees, and the sun's rays have to overcome the crown on the way to them. The eastern arrangement of the windows is considered to be ideal. If they are south oriented, control the intensity in the summer. solar radiation. Prolonged exposure to direct rays is detrimental to the plant. Shading of the windows with paper, reflective foil, pieces of wallpaper will serve as protection. Phalaenopsis tends to reach for light. To keep it stable and aesthetically pleasing, it must be rotated periodically.

Plants placed on north and west windows will have less flowering intensity. For correct development and flowering Phalaenopsis needs 12-, or better 15-hour daylight hours.

The temperature regime required for this type of orchid does not contradict what is usually the case in most living quarters. V summer time it is +25, +28 degrees, in winter - +18, +20 is enough.

One of the main features of these orchids is the almost complete absence of dormant periods.

To plant flowers, Phalaenopsis needs to lower the temperature at night by 5-7 degrees. This temperature range is common or possible in homes and apartments.

But lowering the temperature to +10 degrees can lead to the loss of the ability of the roots to absorb moisture. The plant translates metabolic processes into the consumption of previously accumulated reserves, which is fraught with rapid deterioration of the life support system. The roots gradually atrophy, the leaves wrinkle, and the plant dies. Sometimes this reaction to a low temperature is confused with insufficient watering... And an increase in the amount of moisture in such a situation exacerbates the situation even more.

Phalaenopsis needs fresh air. Frequent airing is very useful for the plant, but it must be protected from drafts, otherwise the plant may get sick.

This type of orchid is quite hygrophilous. For its normal life, it is necessary to constantly maintain the humidity at the level of 60–80%.

If in the cold season the room is heated by electric convectors or other devices that dry the air, the orchid must be additionally moistened with a spray bottle. In this case, the root system should be more moisturized, and not the leaves.

Diseases and pests that most often affect the plant

Rotting defeat

A separate broad category on this list is assorted rot types. The list of possible symptoms is very wide and depends on local conditions, air humidity, watering intensity and room temperature. We list the most common and pronounced cases:

• brown rot;
• black rot;
• root rot;
• gray rot;
• fusarium rot.

What does a sluggish, blackening leaf say

Some common phalaenopsis diseases show their symptoms on the leaves of the plant. Timely noticed changes in color, structure and density of leaves will help prevent the most harmful consequences.

The most common diagnoses are:

• powdery mildew;
• anthracnose;
• leaf spot.

In the case of diagnosing a viral disease of an orchid, it, unfortunately, cannot be treated and resuscitated. Such a plant must be eliminated. The most effective way is to burn the orchid.

A separate type of danger is the development of viral and fungal diseases in places where the waste products of aphids accumulate. Such places in themselves become breeding grounds for disease.

Table: problems encountered when growing phalaenopsis

Treatment and prevention of diseases

As you can see from the symptom table, phalaenopsis is susceptible to many types of rot that affect all parts of the plant. Such a variety of diseases associated with rotting is due to the moisture-loving nature of the flower, the specificity of the substrate moisture and the instability to prolonged temperature drops.

The appearance of viral and fungal diseases in most cases is associated with a poor-quality, contaminated substrate. Less commonly, viral diseases are transferred to the plant from other indoor flowers.

What to do when a plant starts to rot

Treatment of diseases such as brown and black rot in advanced stages (more than 30% of the plant is affected) is almost impossible. If a smaller area is captured by rotting, you can try to save the flower. To do this, you need to carry out a kind of operation. Carefully cut out the affected areas with a sterile knife, trying to minimize damage to healthy tissue. After the operation, sprinkle the cuts with coal dust and treat with Bordeaux liquid. The substrate should be thrown away, the pots should be sterilized, and a clean healthy substrate should be poured into them.

During rehabilitation, the orchid needs to create the most comfortable conditions: minimum allowable air temperature difference (amplitude 5–7 degrees), stable humidification, air circulation in the room, but without drafts.

If there are other orchids in the immediate vicinity of the affected plant, they need to be treated with Bordeaux liquid (you can also use another preparation containing copper). The best prevention of such diseases is careful adherence to the modes of ventilation, humidification, watering and lighting.

If root rot is found in phalaenopsis, urgent measures need to be taken. Remove the substrate, dry the pot. Clean the roots from rot, remove the affected areas. After that, the root system must be treated in a special solution (0.2% Topsin or Fundazol). For the most beneficial effect, the roots are immersed in the solution 2-3 times with an interval of 10 days. Such an orchid should be transplanted into a disinfected clean substrate.

Prevention of root rot is a careful observance of the moisture and watering regime, as well as monitoring the state of the substrate, its timely replacement.

The defeat of an orchid with fusarium rot is most often associated with poor air circulation and a violation of the irrigation regime. Such rot affects all areas of the leaves, as well as young shoots. The leaves turn yellow, curl, become soft. Sometimes the process of fusarium decay is accompanied by the appearance of a coating of pinkish fungal spores. With a large-scale lesion, treatment is impossible. In case of local infection, the orchid should be treated in a 0.2% Fundazole solution. This procedure should be performed 2-3 times a day for 10-14 days. In this case, the whole plant can be immersed in the solution along with the pot. Fundazol is the most effective fungicide in the fight against fusarium rot.

Fundazole is used to treat different types rot, in particular fusarium. It is also suitable as a preventive measure against powdery mildew. The main active agent in this drug is benomyl, which inhibits the life processes of pathogenic cells, as a result of which they die off. Systemic preventive measures with the use of Fundazole will help prevent most putrefactive and fungal diseases of orchids. The proportions for the solution are as follows: 1 gram of Fundazole per 1 liter of water. The solution can be applied using a sprayer. The solution is poured over the soil, the leaves are wiped. After the solution has dried, a white bloom will appear on the plant. It is recommended to wash off the plaque only after a day. This is enough toxic substance, therefore, it should be applied in protective equipment... Fundazole is banned in many countries due to its toxicity. It is highly discouraged to contact pregnant women.

During treatment, spraying with water should be discontinued. Avoid direct hit of drafts on the plant, while ventilation is necessary.

As in previous cases, the best prevention of Fusarium will be unconditional adherence to the regimens and rules for caring for phalaenopsis.

The fight against gray mold involves the removal of the affected areas, followed by the treatment of healthy tissues with preparations containing fungicides. With an extensive lesion (more than 50%), the plant will have to be eliminated and all the nearest indoor flowers will have to be treated with fungicides.

A fungicide is a substance (chemical or biological) that inhibits the growth of fungi.

Prevention of gray rot is similar to the steps described above.

Another danger is fungi

Leaf spot and anthracnose are fungal diseases. Their symptoms are expressed by multiple localized damage to dark leaves. Such damage looks more like dents. Phalaenopsis is affected by anthracnose mainly due to high humidity... Another reason may be stagnation of water in the bowls of young leaves and at the point of growth. It is better to eliminate the extensively affected plant. If there are not very many affected areas, they can be cut off, and healthy tissues can be treated with ash. Crushed activated carbon is also suitable. The substrate should be changed and the pot sterilized. Throughout the entire rehabilitation period, the plant must be isolated from other similar flowers.

Prevention of fungal diseases is a strict adherence to the irrigation and moisture regime, as well as the exclusion of water from entering the growth point and sinuses of young orchid shoots. The humidity of the room air should be in the range of 40–70%. Airing is quite frequent, depending on the season.

A disease such as powdery mildew has pronounced symptoms. They are characterized by the appearance of a white bloom on the plant. Moreover, such plaque appears on all parts of the plant, including buds and inflorescences. Such a disease develops quickly and leads to the death of the orchid, if the necessary treatment measures are not taken in time. Higher temperature conditions and abnormally high air humidity contribute to the more rapid development of this disease.

The method of treatment involves soaking the plant in a solution of colloidal sulfur. Drugs designed to combat powdery mildew, are called Topsin-M, Skor, Fundazol.

Prevention includes periodic spraying of phalaenopsis with Fitosporin.

Viral diseases are incurable

The defeat of the phalaenopsis orchid with viral diseases is a rare phenomenon. They manifest themselves in specific patterns and spots on the leaves of the plant. The affected plant must be immediately isolated from the rest and, without delay, eliminated. There are no cures for viral diseases of orchids yet. At the same time, it is better to burn the orchid together with the substrate and the pot.

Prevention of viral diseases will be the observance of all the necessary regimes for the normal life of the flower.

Timely resuscitation actions will help to restore the turgor of phalaenopsis leaves. These include providing the plant with a favorable environment. Change of its location in the room. It is imperative to isolate the orchid from drafts, to prevent hypothermia. Substrate replacement often helps.

Photo gallery: the most common diseases

Prolonged exposure to low temperatures, high air humidity lead to black rot Root rot can completely destroy the plant Fusarium rot is a dangerous enemy of phalaenopsis The reasons for brown rot can be the lack of sufficient circulation of fresh air, high humidity in the room Gray rot can cause the death of bilephalaenopsis This is how anthracosis manifests itself. affected by powdery mildew The plant is overcome by viruses

Phalaenopsis orchid pests and control

The first measure to save you from unwanted guests living in the substrate is to soak a newly acquired plant in water. All uninvited guests will begin to get out. If they were not there, then it will be enough to dry the orchid.

Discarded buds, sticky spots - look for the scabbard

Rinsing the leaves every 4–5 days will serve as a prophylaxis.

The use of the insecticide Fitoverm for orchids provides for the following proportions: 2 ml of the drug per 50 ml of water. Spray the solution from a spray bottle onto the entire plant. It should be clarified that Fitoverm affects only adult scale insects that are able to feed on their own. Therefore, the treatment is always repeated after 5-7 days. Fitoverm cannot be used in conjunction with other insecticides.

Fitoverm is low-toxic to humans.

How to save from mealybug

White pest on yellowing leaves

The whitefly is dangerous with its larvae. They suck nutrients from orchid leaves. In this case, the plant itself turns yellow, loses its shape and may die. Identifying whiteflies is easy. These are insects of a distinct white similar to common indoor midges. They hide from the back of the sheet.

The fight against whitefly involves washing the leaves with a solution of laundry soap (solution ratio: 1 to 6), spraying the flower and substrate with Aktellik. Rinsing the leaves with clean water every 4–5 days.

For orchids, 2 ml of Actellik is diluted in 100 ml of water, followed by bringing the volume of the solution to 1 liter with pure water. It will be usable within 24 hours. It is necessary to spray the solution from the sprayer over the entire area of ​​the plant. Repeat the procedure after 7-10 days. Do not spray insecticide in closed room and be sure to use protective equipment.

Careful observation of plants, timely replacement and careful selection of the substrate will serve as a good prevention in pest control.

Root mite - the cause of root damage

The root mite infects the root system of the plant. High humidity contributes to its rapid reproduction. The tick lives in an uncleaned substrate.

Control measures include removing the affected areas, disinfecting them with coal dust, replacing the substrate and disinfecting the pot. The roots themselves are also disinfected, for which they use a pale pink solution of potassium permanganate.

Prevention will be a careful selection of the substrate, its timely replacement and the absence of waterlogging.

Whitefly larvae suck nutrients from orchid leaves Root mite seriously damages the root system of the plant Scabbard brings the orchid to rapid depletion and death Phalaenopsis leaf was occupied by a colony of mealybugs When thrips appear on phalaenopsis, you will have to remove flowers and buds, spray the plant with an insecticide and spray multiply in incredible quantities, can suck all the juices from the orchid

Disinfection of pots and substrate

To disinfect the pot, it can be treated with boiling water, sterilized under running water. But such methods can deform containers made of low-quality plastic. The best way is to soak the pot in a potassium permanganate solution for 15 minutes. When preparing the solution, be guided by its color, which should be pale pink, in no case bright and even less purple. Then dry the pot, it will not be superfluous to wipe it with alcohol.

To disinfect the substrate, place it in a container of clean water and boil for 15 minutes, then dry it on a clean towel.

Video: pests and diseases of orchids

Reanimate and restore

Even a practically dead orchid can be tried to save. The methods of returning to life depend on the condition of the plant and the reason for the wilting. All resuscitation methods involve replacing the substrate and disinfecting the pot.

Leaves wither and fall

It is enough for a plant with withered leaves to provide the necessary conditions for normal life: first of all, observe the correct modes of humidification, watering, lighting and ventilation.

If the orchid has lost its leaves, then in addition to the above, it is necessary to feed the plant. For this, nitrogen fertilizers are suitable. But it is necessary to monitor the concentration of nitrogen, as its excess can lead to even worse consequences.

Examples of popular fertilizers for orchids with normal nitrogen concentrations:

• Greenworld for orchids;
• Kemira Lux;
• Cameleon;
• Oasis;
• Bona-forte.

The method of resuscitation of phalaenopsis that has lost leaves:

1. First of all, you need to examine the root system. If it is abundantly affected by rotting processes (more than 50%), then the plant is practically doomed. If most of the roots are elastic and clean in appearance, then they must be left, the rest should be removed and the cut points should be treated with coal dust.
2. Treat the prepared root system with Fundazole solution. (The proportions and method of application are indicated above).
3. Disinfect the substrate and pot.
4. After that, place the root system in a pot with the treated substrate, and the pot itself in a plastic bag. The package should be spacious, creating a kind of greenhouse.
5. You need to tie the bag immediately after spraying the plant with water. The greenhouse must be often ventilated, run into it fresh air follows once a day.

You need to keep the orchid in the greenhouse until new leaves appear. After their formation, the plant should restore the normal regime of watering and spraying.

Do not let the root completely rot

Even a plant that has lost most of its root system can be helped by the necessary care.

Actions for resuscitation of the phalaenopsis root system:

1. First of all, the plant must be removed from the substrate and rinsed well in warm running water.
2. Then you should dry the orchid. Within 2-3 hours, it should lie on paper or a towel at room temperature.
3. Examine the remaining young roots and assess their condition. Usually in Phalaenopsis they have a light green color. Their structure must be elastic. The roots are slippery and soft and must be removed.
4. Remove all dead and suspicious roots. Treat the cut sites with coal dust or special antiseptic preparations. Young root shoots, which have a healthy appearance, are placed for a day in a strengthening mixture, which is sold in flower shops in the form of ampoules, powders, and liquids. By the way, experienced florists recommend carrying out the strengthening procedure once a month, especially during the changing seasons of the year. Orchids are watered by immersion in an aqueous solution, where such mixtures are added according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
5. After that, the plant must be placed in a vessel with water. In this case, the leaves should not come into contact with the liquid. Change the water in the vessel once a day.
6. After the young roots have grown to a length of 3-4 cm, transplant the orchid into the prepared soil.

Often, a flower has to be fixed in a new pot. This is necessary for a better engraftment of the root system.

Ornamental plants are a great decoration for home interiors. Among them, undoubtedly, there will be blooming representatives of the flora, which from different parts of the world end up on the windowsills of city apartments. Due to the sophistication and variety of forms, tropical beauties of orchids are very popular. The most common is the Phalaenopsis orchid. It will delight you with bright, multi-colored flowering and at the same time is affordable and easy to care for.

Description

If a decision is made to purchase a tropical beauty for home cultivation, then the Phalaenopsis orchid will be the best.

Even a novice florist can handle this plant. This exotic flower presented huge amount varieties. They are distinguished by their relative unpretentiousness. The flower petals of the Phalaenopsis orchid are similar to the wings of tropical butterflies. They are different in shape and color. They appear on the plant several times a year. The flowering period can last from two to three months. This does not require additional lighting and humidification. The smooth, leathery leaves are green in various shades. Exists certain rules cultivation in which plants will develop and bloom normally. Phalaenopsis orchid diseases occur when the temperature regime is not observed, waterlogging and lack of ventilation. Caring for an exotic plant is not difficult. However, it differs from the activities that are performed when growing other indoor plants.

Phalaenopsis orchid: diseases, care

Hybrids of the tropical beauty are specially bred for indoor cultivation. It will be necessary to observe the daytime temperature in the range from 20 to 24 degrees Celsius, at night - from 15 to 18 degrees Celsius. Often the conditions of the room do not allow observing this parameter exactly. In this case, it is necessary to achieve a difference between day and night temperatures, which should be at least two or three degrees. Sufficient air humidity is 50 - 70%. Plants are placed on windowsills of any light, protected from drafts and cold air.

Particular attention is paid to the soil. Choosing it incorrectly can lead to orchid disease. A special composition is used as the soil:

• bark substrate - 3 parts;
• sphagnum - 2 parts;
• charcoal - one piece.

An orchid planter should provide good aeration of the soil. It is better to use special transparent plastic pots designed for growing these plants. Watering properly will help prevent disease in your home orchid.

WITH special attention refer to plant nutrition. Over-fertilization can lead to orchid disease. At home, after purchasing a plant, minimal feeding is required. An oversupply of fertilizer can result in the plant not blooming and the leaves can dull and break.

Phalaenopsis orchid: diseases and treatment

Indoor plants are susceptible to various ailments. Orchids are no exception. Diseases affecting these plants can be divided according to the type of pathogen:

• fungal;
• bacterial;
• viral.

Each of them can affect different parts of the plant. Diseases are manifested in the form of: rot, spotting, bloom. Depending on the type of pathogen, a certain timely treatment is applied.

Fungal ailments

Orchid diseases can be provoked by severe waterlogging, temperature and ventilation modes... In this case, favorable conditions for the intensive development of fungi. They are the source of disease. Fungal diseases cause root rot.

This ailment can lead to the death of the orchid. Root system, affected by rot, decomposes, and the leaves and stem of the plant dry out completely.

Fungal tracheomycosis is no less dangerous. Orchid diseases caused by this pathogen affect the vascular system of the plant. At the same time, they gradually turn yellow lower leaves orchids and rot the lower parts of the stem, neck and roots. Growth stops as a whole. The disease is practically incurable and leads to the death of the plant. All kinds of blotches cause diseases of orchid leaves. These include: powdery mildew, rust, anthracnose, septoria, stangosporosis, phyllostictosis, cercosporosis. Also, these ailments affect flowers.

Fungicides are used to treat fungal diseases. It is advisable to use biological products that are less toxic than chemical products.

Diseases of bacterial origin

Weakened injured plants are susceptible. Orchid diseases are caused by bacteria that invade the tissues. At the same time, root rot quickly affects the entire plant. The plant dies within a week. Bacterial spots infect the leaves of the plant.

After the entry of pathogenic bacteria, the disease develops rapidly. Oily spots appear, the diameter of which reaches two centimeters. Bacterial diseases of orchids are fatal, and their treatment does not provide for special drugs that can prevent them. The use of synthetic antibiotics is proposed. The symptoms of bacterial and fungal diseases are similar. And if it is difficult to accurately determine the nature of the damage to the plant, it is advisable to use fungicides and antibiotics together.

Viral diseases

At home, these ailments cannot be determined. This requires laboratory research. Orchid diseases appear in the form of all kinds of spots of various configurations. Exists viral infections that can make the plant suffer for several years. Others cause the rapid development of the disease. These infections are practically not cured. Weakened orchids are primarily infected. "Care - diseases" - this connection is directly related to the state of the plant. In case of a viral infection, it can be saved from death by changing the conditions of detention. Very often, it is the external conditions, and not the condition of the plant itself, that are the cause leading to the onset of orchid disease, and their treatment must begin, first of all, with the elimination unfavorable conditions content.

Preventive actions

Diseases are easier to prevent than to cure. To favorite plant not moping, you should strictly follow all the rules for caring for him. A sturdy orchid is less prone to infection. New acquisitions are kept in quarantine for a month. If the first signs of the disease appear, the plant is isolated. During the treatment period, it is kept in a dry room and no fertilizers are applied.

Pests

Phalaenopsis orchid is fabulously beautiful. Diseases and pests cloud cultivation this plant... Unfortunately, there are a lot of both. They affect, first of all, weakened plants. But it often happens that even with good care pests will appear on the tropical beauties surrounded by attention and care. At the same time, the affected orchids are isolated. Diseases and pests can spread to other, uninfected plants. The quarantine will last until complete recovery. When dealing with pests, it is necessary to be able to identify them and have information on the fight against them.

Scabbard (Coccidae) and false scabbard

Indoor plants are damaged by various pests. Moreover, many of them are equally dangerous for different flower crops... Most often, orchids suffer from scale insects and false scales. These pests have the same external data. Orchids are most commonly affected by the Scabbard Palm.

Oval-shaped pests reach a diameter of one or two millimeters. Scutellum covered with white waxy hairs. They multiply intensively and completely cover the plant. Scabbards are sucking insects that feed on plant sap. With a massive resettlement, they are able to destroy the orchid.

Pest control

To destroy the scabbard, special preparations are used. Before using it, you must thoroughly clean the entire plant from the pest. Carry out wet processing. After that, the substrate and orchids are sprayed special drugs... When fighting the scabbard, it is recommended to use Fitoverin, Aktelik or Aktara. Processing is carried out strictly according to the instructions attached to the preparations. Re-treatment will be necessary, which is performed after a week or ten days. The treated plant is transplanted into a new planter filled with fresh substrate. As a preventive measure, wipe the leaves with an interval of five days.

Mealybug

One of the types of quite dangerous pests that affects orchids. Diseases and pests require timely treatment. The mealybug looks like a small fluffy oblong lump. The white-bodied insect has long antennae. Its location is difficult to determine. The usual habitat is leaf axils in the root zone of the orchid.

They feed on the sap of the plant. The defeat is noticed when the plant begins to wither. At the same time, the leaves turn yellow and wither.

Pest control methods

If an insect infestation was missed, and its presence was noticed after an orchid disease, a thorough examination of the affected plant parts is carried out. Dried leaves and roots are removed. The affected areas are treated with water and laundry soap. Insects are removed with pointed sticks. The substrate is treated with a special preparation "Fitoverm". It is used in accordance with the instructions. Three times processing is carried out with a weekly interval. The plant must be quarantined for a month. During this period of time, the orchid is carefully examined.

Whitefly

A small white butterfly is an orchid pest. The whitefly and its larvae feed on the sap of the plant. It becomes weakened. As a result, various orchid diseases can occur. Pests move freely. The larvae are located on leaves and roots.

The affected parts of the plant gradually dry out.

Control measures

Orchids are examined. Places where insect eggs are laid are treated with a solution of laundry soap. For the disinfection of the substrate, the preparation Fitoverm is used.

Spider mites

Among the pests of orchids, ticks are considered the most dangerous. They are quite small. They can be identified visually by the external signs of plant damage. This is the appearance of a silvery coating.

The mites feed on the cell sap of the orchid. Intensive reproduction of these pests can lead to significant damage to the plant.

Spider mite control

Mechanical and chemical methods... The first step is to manually remove the pests from the plant. The planter in which the orchid grows should be washed. It is placed in a container of water. You also need to pay attention to the place where the flower was located. The substrate is sprayed twice, with a weekly interval, with Fitoverma solution.

Nematodes: description, methods of control

Roundworms - nematodes are among the numerous pests of orchids. Small worms penetrate the stem and roots. They feed on the sap and nutrients of the orchid. Diseases and pests are interrelated. As a result of the vital activity of nematodes, the plant weakens and is exposed to various diseases. The combined effect of diseases and pests leads to the death of the plant. To eliminate the pest, the substrate is treated. Prepare a solution of drugs "Dekaris" or "Levimizil" at the rate of 1 tablet per liter of water. They spill the substrate. Soaking the whole plant, which is previously removed from the flowerpot, in the prepared solution has a more effective effect.

Thrips: detection, remedies

Quite often, pests can be found in acquired plants. The first step after the purchase is to discover unwanted surprises that may be hidden in the substrate. Identifying insects is easy. It is necessary to prepare a small container of water for bathing the pots with the plant. Insects trapped in the substrate will leave within ten minutes.

Thrips are tiny black bugs that move quickly. They live in the substrate of orchids. Tiny insects infect almost the entire plant. They feed on its juice, as well as young roots and leaves. The timely detection of insects can save the flower. Affected orchid is isolated from others indoor flowers... It is washed thoroughly with warm water. The damaged areas are removed, leaving only healthy tissue.

Aphids: places of damage, methods of control

Detect this dangerous pest can be done with the naked eye. Entire colonies of pests affect almost all parts of the plant. The underside of leaves, buds and flowers, shoots, if damaged, discolor. The plant weakens greatly, stops developing normally. This leads to orchid disease. The whole plant is covered with sticky insect secretions.

If a pest is found, they are mechanically removed. Severely affected areas of the orchid are removed. After that, a double spraying is carried out with a weekly interval with special preparations. For the destruction of aphids, the use of drugs is recommended: "Decis", "Aktelik", "Fitoverm".

Phalaenopsis is the most common orchid species in home cultivation... They are unpretentious in care. Plants with a monochromatic color of inflorescences are in special demand. Phalaenopsis orchids are the least affected by leaf diseases and are resistant to extreme conditions in urban apartments. However, too low or, on the contrary, high temperature, improper watering, poor soil lead to the fact that the leaves of the phalaenopsis (pictured below) become covered with black and yellow spots. What to do in such cases? Recommendations of specialists with a photo will come in handy here.

Phalaenopsis - various spots on leaves and other diseases with a photo

What to do if black and yellow spots appear on the leaves of phalaenopsis? Description of the cause of orchid disease and treatment with photos from professionals.

The list of unfavorable factors in which phalaenopsis affects a variety of leaf diseases:

• direct sunlight, but the plant needs a lot of ambient light;
• lack of lighting especially in winter time... In some cases, they resort to artificial lighting with a lamp up to 14 hours;
• heavy soil, which sticks together after watering and does not allow air to pass to the roots;
• wrong pot. A container with transparent walls is used here, which transmits ultraviolet rays to the roots;
• the action of temperatures below +14 degrees;
• cold drafts;
• flower content at temperatures above +23 degrees. The orchid does not tolerate heat;
• alkalization of the soil.

The above factors can leave phalaenopsis without leaves, reduce their turgor, the leaf plate can become stained, the plant may not bloom for a long time or even die altogether. How to treat an orchid with various diseases? Here, only experts can give advice.

If the conditions for caring for the flower are fully met, then the spots on the leaves of the phalaenopsis orchid may indicate fungal and viral diseases.

Phalaenopsis leaves form sticky, glue-like droplets that can be washed off with water. Cause of the disease: honeydew. This is not a flower disease, but ordinary cellular sap. It stands out as a flower as a result of stress experienced, for example, sudden changes in temperature or cold air currents. However, honeydew is a favorable environment for pests such as scale insects, soot mushrooms, mealybug... Their appearance is evidenced by the characteristic white bloom(scale), extensive, black spots (fungus colonies), brown droplets that are easily removed (scale).

Treatment: the shield is protected from contact insecticides with a wax panser. Aktara is used to fight the disease. With a solution of 4 g of the drug per 5 l of water, the flower is sprayed and a solution of 1 g per 10 l of water is watering the soil. The procedure is carried out 4 times with an interval of 7-10 days. It is also necessary to replace upper layer potted substrate without disturbing the root system of the orchid. A complete transplant can damage the plant.

Black spots appeared on the leaves of phenolepsis at their base. At the same time, the spots were initially light brown in color and small in size. Over time, the spots enlarged and acquired a dark color. The sheet itself is deformed. Disease: black, mushroom rot. It is often called black dry rot. It affects flowers when the soil is waterlogged and the temperature is low. Black rot also appears on the stems of the flower and on its aerial roots... Disease can be prevented by increasing the temperature in the room where the flower grows. Watering must be done carefully. You can't let the water
got to the point of growth. Spraying should be carried out in the daytime so that the leaves dry out before nightfall.

If the plant is struck by black rot, the affected areas must be removed. In this case, a sharp blade is used, which must be discarded after the procedure. You also need to process the flower with Trichopolum, Fundazol, Fitosporin, Sulfur according to the instructions on the preparation.

Black spots on the leaves of the phalaenopsis orchid can be common sunburn. Black spots are already Hard case... The sun has hit the leaf plate enough. Sunburns are easily distinguished from black rot by their characteristic coloration. When damaged by the rays of the sun, the spots on the leaves become yellow and extensive, sometimes have a whitish color. They do not spread to other parts of the flower. If you remove the orchid from the sun, the spots will gradually dry out. New leaves grow healthy. In case of sunburn, be sure to shade the flower. Watering is carried out carefully. Water should not come into contact with affected tissues. Spraying stops. It is recommended to remove sunburned orchid leaves over time.

How to cure phalaenopsis if its leaves first turn yellow and then turn black. Black spots have a yellow and white halo.... Orchid disease: Fusarium rot. Causes of occurrence: high soil moisture, high percentage of peat in the soil, which does not allow the earth to dry out, low temperature of the flower content.

Fusarium rot is caused by a fungus. Treatment of the disease: the orchid must be isolated from
other colors, reduce watering, no spraying. The affected parts must be removed with a sharp blade. Leaves are cut completely. If there are lesions on the stem or roots, they are cut out. Sections are processed with brilliant green. The plant must be treated completely with foundation or oxychrome according to the instructions. Plus, carry out the treatment with tetracycline or trichopolum (the tablet is dissolved in 1 liter of water). You need to process at least 4 times with an interval of a week. The plant is considered to be cured if no new spots appear. New leaves grow healthy.

On the leaves of phalaenopsis, spots of brown and Brown color... They darken over time and grow in size. The spots are covered with a grayish bloom. They are able to cover the entire leaf plate or stem. Orchid disease: gray rot. She hits the flower when high humidity and low air temperature. Treatment: the plant is isolated, the conditions for caring for it are normalized. The affected areas are removed with a sharp blade to healthy tissue. Places of cuts are processed with brilliant green. Further, it is imperative to treat the plant with Oxychrome, Fundazol or other drugs of the same group.

Phalaenopis orchid is a popular plant among flower growers, known for its long and decorative flowering. At the same time, it is a capricious and whimsical flower that has low disease resistance.

The plant is affected by a wide range of diseases, each of which, if untreated, can lead to the death of the orchid. The risk of infection increases significantly with poor-quality care and the choice of the wrong conditions of detention. In the article we will consider the most common diseases of the phalaenopsis orchid, what to do if a flower is damaged and how to treat it.

This is a large group of fungal, bacterial and viral diseases arising from the use of low-quality soil, improper care and conditions of detention. Infection develops quickly, if you do not start treatment, the flower dies in short term... To fight infectious diseases requires the use of fungicides and synthetic antibiotics.

Fungal disease affecting orchid leaves. Most often it occurs due to high humidity in the room, improper watering of the plant. As development progresses, small rounded spots appear on the leaf blades, gradually connecting to each other. They gradually grow into large black lesions. With a long course of the disease, a characteristic pinkish-yellow bloom appears on the leaves and shoots.

Fighting is possible only with early anthracnose. All deformed leaves must be removed and the plant treated with a copper-containing fungicide. Processing is carried out twice with an interval of 10 days. To avoid the appearance of fungus, the humidity should be maintained at 40-65% and the axils of the leaves should be checked regularly.

Bacterial spot

A typical disease for the phalaenopsis orchid. The causative agent is pathogenic bacteria that live in poor-quality soil. The provoking factors for infection are considered too bright lighting and non-observance of the watering regime, top dressing. The disease can be identified by the yellowing of the leaf blades in the marginal part. Then the leaves turn dark, crack and deform. In places where bacteria accumulate, a large amount of liquid forms.

To avoid the death of a flower, you need to cut off all affected areas of the plant, treat the cut with ash or iodine. Conduct complete processing plants and soil with a broad-spectrum complex fungicide, repeat the procedure after 10 days.

Powdery mildew

A fungal disease that develops in conditions of high humidity and temperature. The main sign of infection is the appearance of a whitish coating on the leaves and buds of the orchid. As the disease progresses, the flower dries up, if the treatment is not started on time, it dies within 1-2 months.

To combat powdery mildew, only fungicides are used, for example, Topsin-M, Skor or Aktellik. Colloidal sulfur also demonstrates great efficiency. To prevent infection with a fungus, it is recommended to treat the plant with biological fungicides (Fitosporin-M, Fitotsid-R) once every 3 months, to maintain optimal soil and air humidity.

Rust

Among other fungal diseases, rust is much less common when growing orchids. It occurs due to the use of contaminated soil or non-compliance with the irrigation regime. In the early stages, the disease can be identified by the characteristic light spots on the underside of the leaf. Then soft formations of a red color are formed on them. First of all, only weak vegetative parts of the plant are affected, then the fungus passes to strong and healthy leaves.

If rust is found on an orchid, you need to cut off all infected parts of the plant by treating them with charcoal or a weak iodine solution. After that, carry out a two-stage treatment with a complex fungicide with an interval of 10 days. To avoid recurrence of the disease, it is recommended to transplant the orchid to a new place and maintain air humidity.

A common fungal disease that often affects young plants. Rot of this species leads to softening of the roots, as a result of which metabolic processes are disturbed, the wilting of the vegetative parts begins. The leaves turn brown and then soften and dry out. As a rule, root rot occurs against the background of excessive watering or high humidity in room conditions.

To combat the disease, first of all, it is necessary to adjust the conditions of detention. It is advisable to change the soil and the pot, observe the watering regime. Then carry out a complete root processing with chemicals(Topsin-M, foundationol), completely immersing the container in the solution. Re-processing is carried out after 3 weeks.

Gray rot

Disease typical for all types of orchids. It develops when the plant is kept at high humidity and low air temperature. In addition, it can be triggered by an excess of nitrogen compounds in the soil.

When infected, dark spots with slight pubescence appear on the leaves, but the first symptoms can also be found on the buds. As the disease progresses, rot spreads to the soil and root of the plant. Leads to the death of a flower if control measures are not taken in time.

Treatment of gray mold is a long and difficult process. First, you need to carefully remove all parts of the plant with signs of disease, process the cut points disinfectant... All parts of the plant should be treated with a fungicide, the soil should be replaced. If the drug is not used again after 10 days, there is a risk of recurrence of the infection.

Black rot

A fungal disease that often affects young orchids after a pest infestation or when the flower is kept in a cold room. It is not difficult to determine the disease - asymmetric black spots appear on the roots and leaves, which gradually merge with each other. The orchid begins to dry out and slowly die.

As with the treatment of other types of rot, first of all, you need to replace the soil and transplant the plant into new pot... During transplantation, cut off all deformed parts of the flower, treat the places with charcoal or iodine. As a treatment, copper-containing preparations are used, for example, Bordeaux mixture.

Brown rot

A bacterial disease that is dangerous for young plants, which appears with an incorrect irrigation regime or the use of contaminated soil. A typical sign of the disease is the appearance of large dark spots on the underside of the leaf blade. As the disease progresses, they increase in size, spread to the buds and root of the orchid.

To combat brown rot, you need to remove all infected parts of the flower, treat the plant with a copper-containing preparation. To reduce the likelihood of relapse, treatment with a 1% solution of copper sulfate is recommended every 3-4 weeks.

Fusarium rot

This type of rot is the most dangerous for orchids, often leading to the death of the plant. Occurs when the flower is kept in a stuffy room, the wrong watering regime. When damaged, the leaves begin to turn yellow, and then curl and deform. In the later stages of development, they acquire pink color gradually die off.

The treatment is long-term, since there is a risk of re-infection even after the plant is transplanted to a new place. Most effective way the fight against fusarium rot is considered to be daily treatment with a 0.2% solution of foundationol for 10-12 days. You need to spray not only the leaves, but also young shoots, buds. For prevention, it is recommended to put the orchid in a place where there is no threat of drafts.

A fungal disease that appears only against the background of the vital activity of pests. It usually develops after infection of an orchid with a scale insect, scale insect or aphids. The mechanism of formation of black fungus is that insects restrict the passage of light to the leaves, clog their mouths and reduce the ability to photosynthesize. In addition, some pests leave honeydew or juice on the plant, which provokes the development of a fungal infection.

The treatment of this disease is quite complicated and takes place in several stages. First, for 5-7 days, you need to regularly rinse the leaves, destroying most of the insects. Then apply a complex insecticide, cut off all affected and deformed parts of the flower. Only after that fungicides are used, for example, Ridomil, Topsin-M, Skor, Hom. Treatment with these drugs is carried out twice with an interval of 10 days. After treatment, it is advisable to transplant the orchid to a new place.

Violations of care and conditions of detention

In addition to infectious diseases, when growing orchids, there are violations that have arisen exclusively against the background of improper care and maintenance conditions. They are easier to treat and usually do not require the use of chemicals.

Leaf burns

A common leaf disease among orchids that occurs when the sun is active from the second half of spring to the end of summer. The appearance of burns on the leaf blades is associated with the ingress of direct sun rays... In this case, light areas with a pronounced brown edge are formed. If measures are not taken in time, this leads to drying out of the vegetative parts, the appearance of through holes (see photo).

If you find burns on the leaves, you urgently need to shade the plant, reduce the amount of watering to a minimum. If there are severely affected areas, then they need to be cut off, the edges should be treated with wood ash. During the entire recovery period of the orchid, feeding must be completely excluded.

Waterlogging

Watering regime is an important part of orchid care. Due to an excess or lack of moisture in the soil, metabolic processes are disturbed, in particular, photosynthesis. This leads to lethargy or swelling of the leaf plates, and the risk of rot development increases.

As a preventive measure, the plant should be properly watered, and after abundant watering, it is imperative to dry sticky spots on the leaves, for example, with a napkin or filter paper. If swelling is found, watering should be reduced and scheduled spraying should be limited.

Leaf deformation

Changes in the structure of the leaf blade of an orchid can be associated with many reasons. Such a problem arises against the background of infection with diseases and pests, prolonged exposure of the flower to the sun or with a lack of water. Leaf deformation can also be associated with a deficiency of potassium and phosphorus in the soil, especially during the period of budding and flowering.

Withering buds

There can be several reasons for this problem. Often, the withering of the formed buds is observed due to improper watering but can also cause bacterial or fungal infections.

Most often, wilting is observed when the plant is kept in a room with insufficient lighting, in order to avoid this, you need to plan the location of the pot and use fluorescent lamps when there is a lack of light. In addition, the wilting of buds can occur against the background of hypothermia of the plant, especially at a late beginning of flowering. In this case, it is necessary to correct the temperature regime, not to allow the temperature to drop below 22 ° C, and the humidity below 65%.

Darkening of flowers

Small dark spots on flowers are a common problem in all orchid species. It can occur as a result of even minor mechanical damage, for example, when transporting a plant. In addition, spotting of the petals appears after moisture gets on them during watering, the formation of condensation. Less often, spots are formed when the plant is kept under constant exposure to direct sunlight.

Proper care of an orchid at home

Phalaenopsis orchid is known for its capriciousness and difficulty in care. To achieve long-lasting flowering and plant health, the following rules must be followed:

• place the pot away from direct sunlight, it is best to put the container on the east or west windowsill of the apartment;
• the optimal temperature in summer is in the range of 20-25 ° C, and in winter - 16-18 ° C;
• it is required to regularly water and spray the plant, especially with increased dryness of the indoor air. However, during the flowering period, you need to carefully add water, avoiding moisture on the petals;
• water for irrigation must not be lower than room temperature, must be separated and clean;
• you need to transplant the plant no more than 1 time in 3 years, using a special soil for orchids;
• feeding is carried out up to 3 times a month during the active growing season in summer and spring, autumn and winter, the amount of fertilizer is halved;
• as a preventive measure, it is recommended to treat the flower with copper-containing preparations or colloidal sulfur once a month.

To work with orchids, it is recommended to purchase soil and fertilizing specifically for this type of plants, since they contain all the necessary elements and minerals. This is especially true for the planting substrate, which is difficult to recreate on your own.

Phalaenopsis orchid is a capricious plant with weak immunity and resistance. Several dozen diseases are known that are characteristic of this flower. To avoid infection and death of the orchid, it is very important to observe comprehensive care and maintain conditions of detention, depending on the growing season, climatic conditions in the room.