Diseases of orchids occur in various ways:viral, bacterial and fungal. Often, they are affected by fungal diseases and rot due to excessive watering and an excess of moisture in the core of the plant. But besides this there are other diseases of orchids, we will consider them.
Viral diseases of orchids.
Spotting of plants, both flowers and leavesin the form of a mosaic - the appearance of small spots in the form of arrows, strips, circles. The most common diseases are the orchids of the genus Cymbidium, Cattleya, Odontoglossum, Phalaenopsis and Vanda. Illicit plants must be destroyed (it is better to burn), because for other plants they are already a source of infection. Or, before the diagnosis is established (virus disease or not), the flower should be isolated from the rest.
Fungal diseases of orchids.
Fusarium rot.
With this disease, the leaves turn yellow, becomea dark gray shade. The leaf acquires a soft, friable structure and the fungus spores cover the surface in the form of a pale pink coating. On the affected leaves, the edges are twisted, the central shoot dies and rotes. More often affected orchids of the genus Miltonia, Epidendrum.
Ways of struggle - watering and spraying the plant 3 times a day with 0.2% solution of foundation. After 10 days, the procedure is repeated.
Black rot.
From fungal infections on orchids developsrot due to damage to the plant by pests or decay of roots due to improper care (from raw and cold contents). The disease is the orchids of the genus Paphiopedilum and Cattleya. The rotten parts of the orchid, as well as the dead roots, are removed with a sterilized knife (alcohol or fire), the slices are sprinkled with fungicide powder or ground charcoal and the plant is transplanted into a fresh moist orchid substrate. After that, they create a favorable microclimate, placing in a warm place, where young roots will quickly grow.
Root rot.
Leaves and roots become soft, acquiringDark-brown shade, and as a result rot. This is due to excess moisture and high air temperature. Most often suffer from orchids of the genus Cymbidium, Miltonia, Paphiopedilum.
Ways of struggle - watering with 0.2% topsin or 0.2% baseol 3 times a day with an interval between watering in 10 days.
Anthracosis.
On shoots and leaves of plants are formed brownspots of different sizes with small dots, the ends of the leaves are affected by dark brown streaks. As a result, the leaves completely cover with spots and die. The development of the disease occurs due to high humidity and high temperature. The disease is most affected by orchids of the genus Dendrobium, Cattleya, Cymbidium.
Ways of struggle:the affected leaves are removed, the plant is fully sprayed with fungicide (2-3 times per month every 10 days), once a month - as a prophylaxis. Watering at the same time decreases and within a week the leaves are not sprayed.
Bacterial diseases of orchids, photo is attached.
Bacterial rot (brown).
Young leaves start to get sick - they appearwatery patches of light brown color, which then increase and darken. The disease occurs with high humidity and low air temperature. Most of all, they are diseases of the orphan Phalaenopsis, Cymbidium, Paphiopedilum, Cattleya.
Treatment is the same as with black rot. Leaves can not be watered. For prevention, sprinkle once a month with copper sulfate.
Orchid diseases are non-infectious.
Leaf spotting.
The appearance on the leaves of brown moist spots is the first cause of noninfectious spotting, which was formed due to uneven watering, excessive sunlight.
Ways of struggle - the affected leaves are removed, the plant is sprayed.
Analyzing what kind of disease, forthe diseased plant requires appropriate care - treatment with certain solutions or removal of diseased leaves. If these are viral diseases, then it should be removed so that other healthy plants do not become infected. And the most important thing that an orchid lover should know: you need to keep the orchid root in dryness and protect it from excess moisture.
