Multiforal phalaenopsis
* Only use pesticides with low toxicity, especially in the house.
Most of these will have a 'caution' on the label. Products labelled
with 'warning' or 'danger' should be avoided. Always use the least
toxic methods to deal with pests and
diseases first.
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Insect
Pests Most insect pests can be
gently washed off, or swabbed with isopropyl alcohol. Mealy bugs and scale are
especially fond of phalaenopsis and like to hide in the leaf axis so examine these
carefully. Use Safer insecticidal soap or SunSpray ultra
fine Spray oil after reading all directions carefully, if mealy bug infections
persist. Do not use regular garden oil! Hard scale is best washed off
with warm soapy water or scraped off the leaves with an old toothbrush and
then sprayed as described
above.
Bacterial and Fungal
Infections
Moth orchids ain cultivation seem to be more susceptible to bacterial than fungal
infections which can result in brown spots or rotted areas on leaves, which can
quickly lead to the demise of
plants.
Bacterial soft rots, such as
pseudomonas, often infect plants at high temperatures and when there is
plenty of water. These rots are characterized by
soft fluid-filled areas on the leaves that can spread very rapidly.
Infected areas often have a bad
odor.
Carefully cut out infected tissue at the earliest
sign of infection with a sterile blade. Sprinkling the affected areas
liberally with cinnamon will also help as it has anti-fungal microbial
properties. You can also spray plants with a fungicide/bactericide such as Physan
but handle with care, and try the cinnamon first. Isolate the plant, avoid wetting
the leaves, and increase air circulation.
Good culture will eliminate most bacterial and fungal
infections. Among the two most important things you can
do are:
i) maintain good air circulation whenever humidity is high, irrespective of
temperature and
ii) make sure foliage is dry by nightfall by watering plants early in the
day.
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