How to Handle Bug Eaten Leaves on Orchids

Orchids are susceptible to soft-bodied insects commonly known as aphids, as the insects feed on the orchid's flowers and leaves. A clear indication of an aphid problem is represented by little holes in the leaves or petals of the orchid, as the insects chew on the flower at night and can permanently damage your flower. Metaldehyde is a chemical available in liquid form that you can spray on your orchid and eliminate the snails, preventing further damage. Once eliminated, damaged leaves require pruning to salvage the healthy part of the plant.

Metaldehyde spray
Canola oil
Dishwashing liquid soap
Spray bottle
Rubbing alcohol
Soft cloth
Pruning shears

Instructions

- 1
  Spray a thin coating of metaldehyde spray onto the orchid to exterminate the insects. Alternatively, mix 1 teaspoon canola oil, 1 teaspoon dish-washing liquid soap and 1 cup water in a spray bottle to spray the damaged plant.
- 2
  Pour rubbing alcohol on the pruning shears to disinfect the blades, and wipe down the blades with a soft cloth.
- 3
  Clip the damaged leaf to the section where the leaf is healthy. A clean cut eliminates the dead, damaged part of the leaf and prevents spreading of disease.
- 4
  Wash the pruning shears in the sink and pour rubbing alcohol onto the blades to disinfect the shears from disease. Wipe the blades dry with the cleaning cloth.
- 5
  Spray the metaldehyde or homemade insecticide once a week to eliminate all aphids without harming the orchid.

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Orchids