What's eating my cockleshell orchid?

Cockleshell Orchid (Prosthechea cochleata) is an epiphytic orchid susceptible to scale insects above all else. Mealybugs and spider mites also attack, particularly in low-humidity indoor conditions. Because it is often grown outdoors in warm climates, aphids on new growth and flower spikes are a recurring nuisance.

Hard or soft waxy bumps on pseudobulbs and leaf undersides; yellowing foliage and sticky honeydew Remove manually with a toothbrush or cotton swab dipped in 70% alcohol; apply horticultural oil every 2 weeks

White cottony masses at leaf bases and inside sheaths; stunted, yellowing pseudobulbs Dab with alcohol-soaked cotton swabs; spray neem oil solution; isolate from other orchids immediately

Silvery stippled patches on leaf surfaces; fine webbing in dry, warm conditions Mist foliage regularly to raise humidity; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil spray weekly for 3 weeks

Soft green or black insects clustered on new growth and developing flower spikes; distorted buds Rinse off with a strong water stream; apply insecticidal soap; encourage natural predators when grown outdoors