Pest identification
What's eating my brassavola cucullata?
Spider mites
Signs: Fine webbing on undersides of strap-like leaves; silvery stippling and eventual leaf desiccation.
Control: Increase humidity around the plant, spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap, and repeat weekly for three to four weeks.
Mealybugs
Signs: Fluffy white wax in leaf sheaths and root zone; honeydew leads to sooty mold growth.
Control: Remove with alcohol-dipped cotton swabs and drench roots with diluted neem oil at watering.
Scale insects
Signs: Hard rounded bumps on pseudobulbs and stems; reduced vigor and yellowing leaves.
Control: Scrub off with a soft brush dipped in soapy water; apply horticultural oil and repeat every two weeks.
Keep brassavola cucullata pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Brassavola cucullata pests — FAQ
What is eating my brassavola cucullata?
Brassavola cucullata, a pendant-flowering orchid grown in bright indoor or greenhouse conditions, is most commonly attacked by spider mites, which thrive in the warm dry air this plant prefers. Mealybugs and scale insects are secondary threats. Good air circulation and routine inspection keep infestations in check.
How do I get rid of spider mites on brassavola cucullata?
Fine webbing on undersides of strap-like leaves; silvery stippling and eventual leaf desiccation. Increase humidity around the plant, spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap, and repeat weekly for three to four weeks.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on brassavola cucullata?
Fluffy white wax in leaf sheaths and root zone; honeydew leads to sooty mold growth. Remove with alcohol-dipped cotton swabs and drench roots with diluted neem oil at watering.
How do I get rid of scale insects on brassavola cucullata?
Hard rounded bumps on pseudobulbs and stems; reduced vigor and yellowing leaves. Scrub off with a soft brush dipped in soapy water; apply horticultural oil and repeat every two weeks.