Orchids and pesky pests

There are two common pests which affect orchids – mealybugs and black rot

1. Mealybugs

Treating mealybugs

Visible mealybugs can be removed by hand.

Visit your local GCA Garden Centre for a registered insecticide, or mineral oil. Apply to all leaves, folds, crotches, branch bases, midrib areas and roots of the plant.

2.Black rot

Treating black rot

Black rot must be cut away with sterile scissors

Cut away the black section and a little of the healthy section too, as a precaution.

Top tip

A fungicide should also be applied to prevent further infection.

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