Pest identification
What's eating my aechmea orlandiana?
Mealybugs
Signs: White woolly deposits at leaf bases and axils; banding colour washes out; new growth deformed
Control: Swab directly with 70% isopropyl alcohol; apply neem oil spray to entire plant; repeat every 7–10 days
Scale insects
Signs: Hard brown bumps on the decorative leaf banding; honeydew and sooty mold on lower leaves
Control: Manually scrape off; treat with horticultural oil on a 10-day schedule until fully clear
Spider mites
Signs: Pale stippling dulling the attractive crossbanding; fine webbing in the leaf axils
Control: Raise humidity, rinse foliage with water, spray with neem oil or miticidal insecticidal soap every 5–7 days
Keep aechmea orlandiana pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Aechmea orlandiana pests — FAQ
What is eating my aechmea orlandiana?
Aechmea orlandiana is an ornamental indoor bromeliad with boldly banded foliage most at risk from mealybugs and scale nestled in its leaf axils and central cup. Spider mites can mar the decorative banding in dry conditions. Fungus gnats occasionally breed in wet mix. Keep the cup filled with fresh water and inspect banding markings closely for hidden pests.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on aechmea orlandiana?
White woolly deposits at leaf bases and axils; banding colour washes out; new growth deformed Swab directly with 70% isopropyl alcohol; apply neem oil spray to entire plant; repeat every 7–10 days
How do I get rid of scale insects on aechmea orlandiana?
Hard brown bumps on the decorative leaf banding; honeydew and sooty mold on lower leaves Manually scrape off; treat with horticultural oil on a 10-day schedule until fully clear
How do I get rid of spider mites on aechmea orlandiana?
Pale stippling dulling the attractive crossbanding; fine webbing in the leaf axils Raise humidity, rinse foliage with water, spray with neem oil or miticidal insecticidal soap every 5–7 days