Spider Orchid (Brassia) problems — and how to fix them

Soggy or decomposed bark suffocates roots, turning them brown and mushy. Use an open mix, let the medium nearly dry between waterings, and repot in fresh bark every 2-3 years.

Brassia often needs a cooler, slightly drier rest of roughly 6-8 weeks after flowering, plus adequate light, to initiate new spikes. Too little light or constant warmth and feeding keeps it in leaf only.

Mealybugs, scale, spider mites and thrips hide on leaves, in leaf folds and around pseudobulbs. Inspect regularly and treat with horticultural soap, neem or appropriate orchid pesticide; mites signal that the air is too dry.

Black or brown spots on petals and foliage follow cool, damp, stagnant conditions or overhead misting. Improve airflow, avoid wetting the leaves and flowers, and remove affected tissue.

Bleached, sunburned patches indicate too much direct sun, while accordion-pleated or stunted new growth points to underwatering or low humidity during the growth phase.

Developing buds yellow and drop before opening when the plant is stressed by sudden temperature swings, drafts, low humidity or letting it dry out while in spike. Keep conditions stable and moisture consistent through budding.