Snails and slugs on orchids

Orchids are exquisite plants that can be a beautiful addition to any home. However, like all indoor plants, they are susceptible to pests. One of these pests are snails and slugs. Although they are more commonly known as garden pests, their presence on orchids can also cause significant damage to the plant. In this article, we will discuss how to identify snails and slugs on orchids, the measures to take to treat them, and how to prevent them from appearing.

Who are snails and slugs?

Snails and slugs are mollusks belonging to the class gastropoda. Snails have shells, while slugs are their shell-less counterparts. These pests are most active at night and prefer damp conditions, making orchids, especially when they are overwatered, an attractive environment for them.

They feed on the soft parts of the plant, leaving behind characteristic damage — holes in the leaves and trails of slimy mucus. In addition to mechanical damage, snails and slugs can carry various infections, which weaken the plant and may even lead to its death.

How to identify snails and slugs on orchids?

Snails and slugs on orchids may be difficult to spot at first, as they are nocturnal and hide in sheltered spots during the day, such as under leaves, in the substrate, or in cracks in the pot. However, there are several obvious signs that can help you detect these pests.

• 1. Leaf damage

The most obvious sign of snails and slugs is the damage to the leaves. Mollusks feed on the soft tissues of the plant, leaving behind characteristic holes, which can be either small or significant. These damages may appear random or form trails as the pests move across the plant’s surface.

• 2. Slimy trails

After snails or slugs move across the surface of the leaf or substrate, they leave behind slimy trails. These trails appear as transparent or whitish mucus, visible on the leaves or in the soil. If you notice such trails, it’s a clear indication that you have these pests.

• 3. Presence of the mollusks

If you spot the mollusks themselves on the orchid, this is a clear sign of their presence. Snails usually hide in the shade or under leaves, while slugs can be more visible, especially when they venture out in search of food.

• 4. Soil moisture

Snails and slugs prefer moist environments, so excessive soil moisture can attract these pests. If your substrate is always too wet, it could become the perfect breeding ground for them.

• 5. Rot and disease

Since snails and slugs damage the plant’s tissues, orchids become more susceptible to rot and diseases. If you notice root rot or other parts of the plant changing texture (e.g., becoming soft), this could be due to their activity.

How to treat snails and slugs on orchids?

If you notice snails and slugs on your orchids, it's essential to take action immediately to remove them and prevent further damage. Here are several effective methods to deal with these pests.

• 1. Manual removal

If there aren’t too many mollusks, you can remove them manually. Carefully inspect the plant, including the underside of the leaves and the substrate, and remove any visible snails or slugs. You can do this at night when the pests are most active.

• 2. Using traps

To attract and eliminate snails and slugs, you can use various traps. One of the simplest and most effective methods is to use beer traps. Take small containers and pour a little beer into them. The mollusks are attracted to the smell of the beer, and they will fall into the trap and die. Place these traps near the orchid or around its pot.

• 3. Chemical treatment

You can use special chemical products to fight snails and slugs, such as metaldehyde or mesurol. These products are available in granule or powder form and are sprinkled around the plants. However, when using chemicals, it’s important to be cautious, as they can be toxic to pets or beneficial insects.

• 4. Using natural remedies

For those who prefer eco-friendly solutions, there are several natural methods to combat snails and slugs. For instance, you can scatter crushed eggshells, wood ash, or sand around the orchid. These materials create obstacles for mollusks, as they don’t like to cross such surfaces.

• 5. Reducing humidity

Since snails and slugs prefer moist conditions, it's important to control the humidity around your orchid. Avoid leaving water in the saucer and ensure that the substrate isn’t overly wet. Regularly ventilate the room to prevent excess moisture from accumulating.

• 6. Repotting and sterilizing the substrate

If the infestation is severe and other methods are ineffective, you should consider repotting the orchid in fresh substrate. Be sure to wash the plant’s roots thoroughly and choose a sterile soil mix. This will help eliminate any remaining mollusks hiding in the old substrate.

Preventing snails and slugs

Preventing snails and slugs is much easier than dealing with an infestation. Here are a few preventive measures:

1. Regularly inspect your orchids, especially at night, to catch pests early.
2. Avoid overwatering. Monitor the moisture levels to prevent creating ideal conditions for snails and slugs.
3. Use protective barriers like gravel, crushed eggshells, or ash to prevent mollusks from reaching your plant.
4. Keep the orchid clean by removing old leaves and plant debris that could serve as hiding places for snails and slugs.

Conclusion

Snails and slugs can cause significant damage to orchids if not treated promptly. However, with the right approach, timely diagnosis, and the application of effective treatment methods, you can rid your plant of these mollusks and restore its health and beauty. Preventive measures will also help minimize the risk of future infestations.

If you notice snails or slugs on your orchids, don’t delay treatment! The sooner you take action, the sooner your orchid will return to its normal state.