Ball orchid pests and control methods

Ball orchid pests: scale insects

Symptoms of harm

Scale insects often parasitize on leaf sheaths and stems, especially in dark places such as the back of leaf sheaths. They use their piercing-sucking mouthparts to penetrate deep into the plant's stomata to absorb nutrients. This has a great impact on the growth of Hoya, causing the seedlings to gradually wither and turn yellow, and make them susceptible to disease and death. In summer, with high temperatures and heavy rains, poor ventilation or insufficient sunlight, scale insects are very likely to cause damage.

Prevention and treatment methods

Pay attention to ventilation and detect insects early. When a small number of insects occur, use a brush to brush them off and then rinse them with water. When pests occur on a large scale, chemical methods are used for prevention and control.

During the peak period of nymph hatching, spray the pesticide 1 to 3 times. For example, spray 80 % DDT emulsifiable concentrate or 1000 times diluted 3 % pyrethroids once every 7 to 10 days for 3 times.

Hoya pests: aphids

Symptoms of harm

There are many types of aphids. They are common insects with small and soft bodies. They often gather on the young stems of branches and leaves to absorb nutrients, causing the growth of the affected plants to stagnate and the leaves to turn yellow. Its secretions often lead to the parasitism of various molds, and are particularly prone to causing sooty mold disease.

Prevention and treatment methods

When insect pests occur in small quantities, wash the leaves with water or soapy water, or remove the affected parts.

For chemical control , you can use 1000-1500 times solution of cypermethrin or 1000 times solution of dichlorvos for spraying once every 5-7 days for 3 consecutive times, which has a better control effect.

Ball orchid pests: mites

Symptoms of harm

Mite pests are mainly red spiders, yellow spiders and false spiders, which are most likely to occur in dry and high temperature environments. The small insects parasitize on the leaves. When there is sunlight, they often live on the back of the leaves or on the leaf sheaths, absorb nutrients from new buds and leaves, and cause the leaves to change color. The affected leaves often have a patch of grayish-white spots, which then become rough, irregular silver-gray or gray-brown spots or patches. In severe cases, silk-net-like leaves can be found on the back of the leaves, which gradually develop scorched yellow dents and quickly shrink and deform.

Prevention and treatment methods

Spray the upper and lower surfaces of the leaves with soapy water. The soapy water can adhere to the leaves and form a thin film to prevent or reduce the parasitism of mites.

Spray with chemical agents such as cypermethrin and cypermethrin. When spraying, spray the upper and lower surfaces of the leaves and the base of the leaves. Spray once a week for 3 consecutive times.