Diseases may attack orchids for several reasons and nowadays there are lots of natural or chemical ways to control that.

The right control of light, water and correct adubation helps the plant in preventing diseases. The disposition of the vases with a distance of at least 20 cm is also recommended so the diseases won´t spread.

The sterilization of the tools and proper manipullation of the sick plants must be made with care so the plagues may not spread to healthy plants. Also, the very young and more sensible ones should be kept away from the adult plants.

In general, too much water may bring chronicle problems to the roots, causing some rotting on the roots. It also causes the loss of leaves, turning them into a yellow or light-green color. The excess of water also atracts fungus that may quickly kill your plant.

Plagues, like the aphids, are also very common in orchids. A plant under attack of an aphid, that loves feeding on the new branches (Oncidium seems to be the best), and flower buds may end up with a nice flowering in days.

Besides damaging the flowers, the aphids, may transmit certain viruses notably the OFV (Orchid Fleck Virus). Other plagues as snails, nematoids and mealybugs eat the roots and leaves.

In the case of snails, it is recommended the manual removing, with the help of a trap made with some bread absorbed with some beer o even some small cuts of "squash".

For a complete removing of the eggs (that measure ca.1 to 3 mm) and the rest of the snails, one must drow the vase for one or two hours and reapeat the process for 2 or 3 weeks.

When you buy a orchid try always to know its origin, so you won´t take home a sick plant, already contaminated with viruses, nematoids, snails and fungus for instance.