Fungus & Orchids
Orchids are grown for their variety of flowers, longevity of the blooms and simple elegance. Cattleyas from South America are some of the most beautiful orchids, boasting large, striking purple blooms. Native to the Americas, Europe and Australia, orchid varieties are as different and numerous as their habitats. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
-
Care
-
Orchids are relatively easy to grow and care for. Like any other house plants, providing they have sufficient light, water and food, they should thrive. Orchids can vary dramatically in their needs, and their reactions to the wrong growing conditions will soon indicate to the grower what that specific plant needs. It is important to take quick control of any diseases and pests in order for an orchid to survive. Fungus on roots and leaves can be particularly troublesome.
Prevention
-
By following some simple tips, growers can prevent, or at least minimize fungus problems. Orchids should not be watered on cool, cloudy days, and when they are watered, they should not be left to stand in the water, since this can cause roots to rot. They should be kept in a position where the air is moving gently around them, and not in a completely still and stifling environment. By transplanting orchids each year, the growing medium can be freshened and decay can be prevented.
-
Black Rot
-
The most common orchid fungus is black rot, which can develop on the roots and leaves of plants. It typically occurs from leaving a plant standing in water, or if the plant is growing in a rotting growing medium. Black rot is easily identifiable by the soft, rotted, purple, brown and black areas that are visible on leaves and new growth. If this spreads to the roots, the plant will probably die. Black rot can be treated by removing the infected area and then spraying the plant thoroughly with a fungicide. Ensure that any equipment is sterilized after use, to prevent spread of infection.
Root Rot
-
If a plant starts to lose votality over a period of months, prior to dying, this is usually caused by root rot. The orchid will droop and roots will display brown and black blotches. The leaves will appear yellow and gnarled. Root rot can be treated by removing all rotted areas and repotting the plant in fresh growing medium and a clean, sterile pot. Once repotted, plants should be saturated in fungicide.
Leaf Spot Fungus
-
Leaf spot fungus causes problems on leaves, but will generally not be too harmful to the plant. It is unsightly, more than anything. The fungus manifests as yellowing of the underside of the leaves. In time, it will spread to the top of the leaf and round, brown sunken spots will appear. Leaf spot fungus can be treated by removing damaged leaves, and spraying the plant with fungicide.
-
References
Resources
- Photo Credit orchid image by Earl Robbins from Fotolia.com
