Pest identification
What's eating my calanthe sylvatica?
Spider mites
Signs: Fine webbing on leaf undersides; leaves develop pale stippling and become dull or yellow
Control: Raise humidity, wipe leaves with damp cloth, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil spray; repeat weekly for 3 weeks
Mealybugs
Signs: White cottony clusters at leaf axils and pseudobulb bases; sticky honeydew and sooty mold follow
Control: Dab individual bugs with 70% isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab; spray with neem oil solution; isolate the plant
Scale insects
Signs: Brown or tan shell-like bumps on pseudobulbs and stems; yellowing leaves and stunted growth
Control: Scrape off with a soft toothbrush, treat with horticultural oil or systemic insecticide if infestation is heavy
Keep calanthe sylvatica pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Calanthe sylvatica pests — FAQ
What is eating my calanthe sylvatica?
Calanthe sylvatica, a tropical terrestrial orchid, is most threatened by spider mites and mealybugs indoors. Watch for fine webbing or white cottony masses on leaves and pseudobulbs. Slugs can damage outdoor-grown specimens. Prompt isolation and treatment with neem oil or insecticidal soap keeps infestations under control.
How do I get rid of spider mites on calanthe sylvatica?
Fine webbing on leaf undersides; leaves develop pale stippling and become dull or yellow Raise humidity, wipe leaves with damp cloth, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil spray; repeat weekly for 3 weeks
How do I get rid of mealybugs on calanthe sylvatica?
White cottony clusters at leaf axils and pseudobulb bases; sticky honeydew and sooty mold follow Dab individual bugs with 70% isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab; spray with neem oil solution; isolate the plant
How do I get rid of scale insects on calanthe sylvatica?
Brown or tan shell-like bumps on pseudobulbs and stems; yellowing leaves and stunted growth Scrape off with a soft toothbrush, treat with horticultural oil or systemic insecticide if infestation is heavy