What's eating my angraecum eburneum?

Angraecum eburneum is a large warm-growing African orchid often kept indoors or in a greenhouse. Scale insects are the most common pest, colonizing its thick strap leaves. Mealybugs hide in leaf axils and on the root mass, while spider mites can flare up in dry winters. Regular inspection of leaf undersides catches problems early.

Brown or grey waxy bumps on leaves and canes; yellowing, stunted growth, and honeydew deposits Manually remove with 70% isopropyl alcohol and a soft brush; apply neem oil or horticultural oil spray; repeat every 10 days

White cottony masses in leaf axils and on aerial roots; leaves pale and growth slows noticeably Spot-treat with alcohol-soaked cotton swabs; spray plant with insecticidal soap solution; isolate immediately

Pale stippling and fine webbing on leaf undersides; leaves lose color and gloss in sustained infestations Boost humidity above 55%; wipe leaves with a damp cloth; apply neem oil or miticide spray every 5–7 days for 3 rounds

Soft-bodied insects on emerging flower spikes and new leaf bases; sticky honeydew, distorted spike development Remove manually or rinse with water; apply insecticidal soap; repeat weekly until resolved