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Western marsh orchid · Dactylorhiza majalis

Why are there holes in my Western marsh orchid leaves?

Western marsh orchids are magnets for slugs and snails during the spring. These pests love the tender, succulent new growth emerging from the soil. Check the base of your plant and the undersides of leaves for slimy trails or the culprits themselves.

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pests on a plant
Photo: Jules Verne Times Two, CC BY-SA 4.0

Check these first

  1. Inspect the soil surface for slime trails.
  2. Check the undersides of leaves for clusters of insects.
  3. Look for missing chunks of leaf tissue.

Likely causes

  1. Slugs and Snails

    Most likely

    How to tell: You will see irregular holes in the leaves or entire shoots chewed off at the base. Look for telltale silvery slime trails on the soil surface or nearby pots.

    What to do: Handpick slugs in the early evening when they are most active. You can also place copper tape around the rim of your container or use iron phosphate bait pellets according to the package instructions.

  2. Aphids

    Possible

    How to tell: Tiny green or black insects cluster on the flower spikes or the undersides of leaves. They cause the plant to look stunted and sticky from honeydew.

    What to do: Spray the affected areas with a gentle stream of water to knock them off. If the infestation persists, use an insecticidal soap spray once a week until they are gone.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your western marsh orchid

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

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When to worry

If the entire crown of the orchid is eaten, the plant may not recover. Small holes are annoying but usually not fatal.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the area around your orchid clear of debris where slugs like to hide. Use physical barriers like crushed eggshells or copper tape to deter them.

Western marsh orchid: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your western marsh orchid and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

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Questions people ask

Will these pests kill my orchid?
If they eat the main growing point, the plant will likely die. If they only eat a few leaves, the plant will usually bounce back.
Can I use neem oil?
Be very careful with neem oil on orchids, as it can burn the leaves if applied in direct sun. Always test a small area first.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Western marsh orchid

Back to the Western marsh orchid guide

This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.