What's eating my anoectochilus roxburghii?

Anoectochilus roxburghii, the gold-veined jewel orchid, is a delicate terrarium or high-humidity houseplant most at risk from fungus gnats in wet substrate, and from mealybugs hiding in its dense, low rosette. Spider mites can appear if humidity dips. Because this species demands near-constant moisture, keeping the substrate fresh and well-draining is critical to avoiding root-zone pests.

Larvae damage shallow, fragile roots in wet substrate, causing wilting and yellowing of this moisture-loving plant Use a well-draining, peat-free mix; apply Bti (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis) drench; add a layer of sand on top

Cottony white deposits at stem nodes and among the closely packed leaves; can spread rapidly Dab carefully with isopropyl alcohol swab; apply neem oil solution at low concentration weekly

Fine stippling on the patterned leaves, dulling their ornamental gold veining Maintain high humidity (60–80%), mist carefully, apply neem oil spray if mites are confirmed