Small Silver Bugs in Orchid Plants

Orchids are no more susceptible to infestations than any other house plant; often, they are less so. A robust, healthy orchid plant is better able to fend off attacks than a compromised one. Keep your growing area and plants clean to prevent problems.

Types
- A Cattleya orchid in full bloom in a greenhouse.
  
  Several types of gray or silver insects sometimes found on orchids. A young mealybug is gray, turning white and becoming cottony or lint-like as it ages. Immature soft scale insects are silvery-white and cluster together. Fungus gnats are pale in color and fly.
Preventing Infestation
- A miniature cattleya in bloom.
  
  Keep a clean growing area. Allow enough space between your plants for air to circulate. Quarantine all newly purchased plants for a period of six weeks. Commercial growers often spray plants just prior to shipping them to box stores for sale. This application kills any adult insects on the plants but does nothing to the eggs and larvae living in the potting mix. Six weeks gives eggs time to hatch, develop, and get to the surface so you can treat them.
Treating Infestation
- A dendrobium orchid in bloom.
  
  Take sample insects to a knowledgeable person to have them correctly identified. Buy whatever insecticide or miticide is appropriate for that bug. Follow all label directions and use only in a well-ventilated area. A sickly or weak plant is more susceptible to infestation. You may have to toss out a plant that keeps getting infested to solve the problem.

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Orchids

Small Silver Bugs in Orchid Plants

Types

Preventing Infestation

Treating Infestation