Ground Orchid Pests

About Ground Orchids

• Also called hyacinth orchids, Chinese ground orchids are a member of the orchid family that grows at ground level, rather than in trees like many of the tropical orchids grown indoors. Hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 5 through 8, these perennials grow best in partial shade and are most appealing when planted in masses. The pleated, semievergreen leaves are attractive even when the plants are not in flower. Ground orchids grow 8 to 24 inches tall and wide.

Aphids

• Tiny and soft-bodied, aphids are the most common pest on Chinese ground orchids. These insects congregate on tender, new growth, where they feed on the fluids inside the buds and leaves. Check your plants at least twice a week during the spring when aphids are most active. These insects come in many colors, depending on the species, but the control is the same for all. Wash off light infestations with a strong water stream from a garden hose. Spray heavy infestations with a horticultural oil or insecticide labeled for use against aphids.

Thrips

• Thrips are very small flying insects that feed on plant leaves by scraping open the leaf cells and sucking out the juices. As well as damaging the plants, thrips often spread viral diseases. If you suspect a thrips infestation, place a piece of white paper under your ground orchid and tap the leaves and stems. The thrips, which look like small dashes, fall onto the paper. Spray plants with an insecticide approved for use against thrips.

Scales

• Scales attach themselves primarily to the stems of ground orchids, although they sometimes nest on the underside of leaves. Infested plants decline and produce little new growth. Scales also secrete honeydew that feeds sooty mold fungus. Inspect your plants not only for the insects, which resemble fish scales firmly attached to the plant, but black, moldy areas as well. Horticultural oils are more effective against scales than are insecticides.

Spider Mites

• Spider mites are common garden pests. If you find them on your ground orchids, they are probably feeding on other plants, as well. Infested plants have a speckled appearance and damaged leaves might turn bronze. You may also see fine spider webs, especially on the underside of leaves and in the crotch between stems and leaves. The insects themselves are small and spiderlike. Spider mites are an opportunistic pest, affecting plants already stressed by drought or improper fertilization. Keep the plants well watered during dry spells and rinse them occasionally with a strong stream of water from the hose washing off light infestations. Bad infestations require the use of a miticide, an insecticide especially formulated for mites.