As a hobbyist orchid grower, it is not necessary to use pesticides in a preventative manner, such as a commercial orchid nursery would. Many of these are very expensive and must be purchased in quantities that would need to be stored over a long period of time. This can cause a potential environmental hazard. Most often, the new orchidists will not have the required personal protection equipment (eye protection, rubberized rain gear, gloves, and respirator), to properly apply these chemicals.

Using pesticides in this manner can potentially develop resistant strains of disease organisms and cause harm to your orchids, yourself, and the environment.  The main goal, as I wrote in  previous article is to grow and produce beautiful orchid plants and flowers for our own personal enjoyment. This article will provide easy alternative methods in treating many of the common pests of orchids.

The Orchid disease prevention  could be found in your kitchen or bathroom cabinet!

Please remember that you are using them at your own risk. I am not making any

endorsements, and I take no responsibility for your orchids or for any bodily injury.

There has been no scientific study done on application rates, toxicity levels, or target pests.

Use with caution and experiment on a few orchids first. Even though these are homemade

remedies, they are still chemicals and personal protection is still important. Use caution when

applying. Never apply any of these remedies in the heat of the day as they can potentially burn

the sensitive tissue of the new growths and flower buds. Do not apply any chemicals on

hirsute (hairy) orchids. Do not store any left over mixtures, doing so in an infraction of federal

labeling laws, which require identification and caution statements.

Insecticides

Soft bodied insects, such as mealy bugs, aphids, and thrips

1. Straight 70% isopropyl rubbing alcohol –touch insects with a soaked cotton swab or

spray entire affected area of plant. Repeat every two to three days. Apply in the early

morning or late afternoon, when cool. A typical sprayer top can be put on to the

alcohol bottle.

2. Garlic/Pepper Spray –liquefy 2 bulbs of garlic and 2 hot peppers in a blender ½ to 2/3

full of water. Strain and add water to make 1 gallon of concentrate. Use ¼ cup

concentrate per gallon of water.

Hard shell insects such as scale, also for spider mites

1. Mix 1 to 3 teaspoons of cooking oil and 1 teaspoon of liquid dishwashing soap

into a quart of water. Shake well and spray plant thoroughly wetting the affected

surfaces. Repeat every 2 to 3 days. The soap will breakdown the waterproof

coating of the insects’ shell and the oil will smother them. Apply only when cool.

General purpose sprays

1. Water –When watering use high pressure to water heavily, wet all parts of the orchid,

especially under the leaves. Water will disrupt the feeding and egg laying of white

flies, mealy bugs and spider mites. When repotting if you find a scale infestation, use

high pressure to remove scales off of pseudobulbs.

2. Neem Oil –acts as an insect repellent, as well as a fungicide, nematacide, and

even molluscicide!

2. Fantastik or Formula 409 –Add 1 cup of the household cleaner/degreaser, with 1

cup of rubbing alcohol, and mix with 2 cups of water. This solution can be

sprayed directly on all affected areas.

4. Orange Plus household cleaner –can be sprayed undiluted.