Aphids are hands-down the most common pests you’ll run into with orchids. My best advice? Get into the habit of checking your exotic beauties regularly. The earlier you spot these little guys, the easier (and more successful) it is to kick them to the curb using natural methods. Don’t wait around, because aphids multiply and spread faster than you’d think!
Symptoms of an Aphid Infestation
These tiny pests come in shades of yellow, green, brown, or black. Since they’re usually no bigger than 7 millimeters, they can be pretty hard to spot with the naked eye if you aren’t looking closely. However, because they like to hang out in groups, you’ll usually notice dark deposits—mostly on the undersides of the orchid leaves—which is a dead giveaway.
Typical signs that aphids have moved in include:
- Spotted or slightly stunted leaves
- Yellowing foliage
- Leaves eventually dying off if left untreated
Fast Spread Means You Need to Act Fast
Aphids are some of the most mobile types of lice and scales out there, and they move quickly. To stop them from taking over the entire plant—or worse, jumping over to your other houseplants—you’ll want to start treatment as soon as you see them.
How to Get Rid of Them
The good news is that aphids are actually pretty easy to handle with natural remedies. First, give your orchid a good rinse with lukewarm water to wash away most of the pests clinging to the surface. After that, wipe down the leaves with a soft cloth and a little bit of rubbing alcohol.
Next, you’ll want to target the infested areas more specifically. Two of my favorite DIY methods are:
- A homemade soap solution
- Fern tea (bracken broth)
Soap Solution
Mix about one tablespoon of liquid castile soap (or a plain liquid soap) and a splash of rubbing alcohol into a quart of water. Use a soft cloth or a small paintbrush to apply this solution directly to the infested parts of the plant. Depending on how bad the situation is, repeat this every two to three days until the aphids are gone for good.
Fern Tea
A fern-based broth is another simple but effective trick. Take about 3.5 ounces (100 grams) of fern leaves and pour a quart of boiling water over them. Let it sit for about 24 hours, then bring it to a boil on the stove and let it simmer for another 30 minutes. Once it has cooled down, strain out the leaves. You can then spray or brush the liquid directly onto the affected areas of your orchid.
