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Pests and Problems
Problems will occur, no matter the growing conditions.
While you may take very good care of your plants, sometimes a pest cannot be avoided. Knowing how to rid yourself of pests is key in growing orchids. Trouble-shooting a problem may save an orchid from an untimely death.
Watering can be a source of misery for orchid growers.
Underwatering will result in shriveled up pseudobulbs. Leaves on orchids tend to turn yellow when the orchid is overwatered. If an orchid is overwatered, it can also result in root rot, which is exactly what it sounds like. The watering schedule should be reduced and the plant may need to be repotted, with the rotten roots cut off.
An orchid may also suddenly stop thriving.
The grower must evaluate what has changed in the environment. Commonly, the temperature has changed, the orchid was transported in the cold or cold water was used to moisten the plant. These are all ways to shock the plant.
The grower must take care to watch for shock and try to minimize damage by not moving the plant (unless the area has become colder) and maybe adding a growth fertilizer to watering schedules.
Pests are also another part of growing orchids.
Common pests include aphids and snails. More often than not, a natural pesticide may be used. Some growers use neem oil mixed with water to combat any invading bugs.
Snails seem to be particularly resistant, requiring the grower to pick them off individually and repot the plant.
There are other types of ailments that orchids experience and the recommended treatment of these pests may vary from grower to grower.
The novice grower can use the internet to research the best treatment for their particular type of orchid.