Pest identification
What's eating my bulbophyllum barbigerum?
Spider mites
Signs: Fine webbing and silvery stippling on leaves; rapid spread when ambient humidity is low.
Control: Boost humidity, isolate the plant, and spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap on a weekly schedule.
Mealybugs
Signs: Fluffy white masses at pseudobulb bases and root collar; honeydew and secondary sooty mold.
Control: Dab with 70% isopropyl alcohol swabs; drench the potting medium with diluted neem solution.
Fungus gnats
Signs: Larvae damage fine feeder roots in wet medium; visible as small grey-black flies hovering at soil level.
Control: Allow medium surface to dry between waterings; apply Bti (e.g., Gnatrol) drench and use sticky traps.
Keep bulbophyllum barbigerum pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Bulbophyllum barbigerum pests — FAQ
What is eating my bulbophyllum barbigerum?
Bulbophyllum barbigerum, a West African species known for its fringed, mobile lip, is grown as an indoor or warm greenhouse orchid. Spider mites are the top threat if humidity falls. Mealybugs colonize clustered pseudobulbs, and fungus gnats may target the root zone in stale damp medium. Airflow and high humidity are key defenses.
How do I get rid of spider mites on bulbophyllum barbigerum?
Fine webbing and silvery stippling on leaves; rapid spread when ambient humidity is low. Boost humidity, isolate the plant, and spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap on a weekly schedule.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on bulbophyllum barbigerum?
Fluffy white masses at pseudobulb bases and root collar; honeydew and secondary sooty mold. Dab with 70% isopropyl alcohol swabs; drench the potting medium with diluted neem solution.
How do I get rid of fungus gnats on bulbophyllum barbigerum?
Larvae damage fine feeder roots in wet medium; visible as small grey-black flies hovering at soil level. Allow medium surface to dry between waterings; apply Bti (e.g., Gnatrol) drench and use sticky traps.