Beware...Roaches May Be Eating Your Orchids!

Photo: University of Florida

If our title makes you cringe, you’re not alone! Roaches rank up there as one of the most disgusting things you can find in your home. But did you know they will feed not only on the food in your pantry but munch on your orchids as well? 

Cockroaches have been around for over 300 million years. Some species pre-date the dinosaurs. So, it’s no surprise that these resilient insects will do anything to survive. 

Most areas of the U.S. are well into the frigid winter season. It’s dry and cold outside which is exactly why roaches head inside this time of year to seek food and water. Their preferred meal is any type of carbohydrate including green leaves and blossoms. In particular, they find new growth such as root tips and buds extra enticing.

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How do you know if you have roaches among your orchids?
It’s easy to see the telltale signs: 

1. Inspect for plant damage similar to what you would see with a caterpillar but much smaller bites;
2. Move your pots and look for frass (a scientific name for insect droppings and a friendlier way of saying poop); and 
3. Look for roach exoskeletons which are molted several times during the lifecyle of the insect. 

Because roaches are nocturnal, you may never see a live roach but know they love to enter and exit their homes in your potting media through the numerous holes found in many orchid pots.

How do you keep roaches away from your orchids in the first place?
Keep your pots up off the ground and remove decaying plant debris. There are also several natural deterrents including a sprinkle of garlic powder around your pots, a spritz of tea tree oil diluted with water on your plants' leaves, placement of cut lemon wedges near your plants and even growing catnip beside your orchids.  ​

If you have a roach infestation, what can you do?
To rid your pots of roaches, you can immerse your pots in water which will force the insects from the potting media. If you continue to experience roaches among your plants after you have soaked your pots, there are a variety of insecticides that you can purchase at your local home and garden center, or you can consult the advice of a professional exterminator

We hope these simple tips help you keep the roaches away. 
Happy Blooming from Better-Gro!.