Keeping Orchids Healthy

Orchid beauty is fragile, and a handful of common pests can undo months of careful care fast — knowing what to look for is most of the battle.

Know the Culprits

Aphids suck phloem fluid, causing tissue to yellow and decay where they bite. Mealybugs, white or pink and notoriously tough to control, need attention the moment they're spotted. Scale insects look like small white patches that grow larger as they feed. Spider mites are hard to see directly but leave tiny webs as a telltale sign. Millipedes and centipedes go straight for the roots and can sting you in the process, while slugs, snails, and whiteflies round out the list of persistent orchid pests.

Fighting Back Naturally First

Start with natural methods: introducing the pest's natural predators, wiping pests off by hand, or using netting and physical barriers to keep them off the plant in the first place. These approaches avoid exposing your orchid — and yourself — to unnecessary chemicals. If natural control isn't enough, reach for the most environmentally friendly pesticide available and use it sparingly rather than as a first resort.