Pest identification
What's eating my coelogyne flaccida?
Mealybugs
Signs: White cottony masses inside pseudobulb sheaths and at the base of leaves; weakened growth and leaf yellowing
Control: Swab with 70% isopropyl alcohol; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap thoroughly; repeat every 5–7 days for a month
Scale insects
Signs: Hard brown or tan bumps on pseudobulbs and leaves; sticky honeydew encouraging sooty mold
Control: Remove manually with alcohol and a soft brush; apply horticultural oil; monitor monthly for crawler emergence
Fungus gnats
Signs: Larvae feed on roots and organic matter in bark medium; adult gnats fly around plants indicating overwatering
Control: Allow medium to dry between waterings; use yellow sticky traps; drench with Bti (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis) solution
Keep coelogyne flaccida pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Coelogyne flaccida pests — FAQ
What is eating my coelogyne flaccida?
Coelogyne flaccida, a fragrant spring-blooming orchid, faces typical intermediate-greenhouse pest threats: mealybugs and scale are most common, concealed in the papery sheaths. Fungus gnats can proliferate in bark media kept too moist. Slugs may damage emerging flower spikes in cool greenhouse conditions.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on coelogyne flaccida?
White cottony masses inside pseudobulb sheaths and at the base of leaves; weakened growth and leaf yellowing Swab with 70% isopropyl alcohol; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap thoroughly; repeat every 5–7 days for a month
How do I get rid of scale insects on coelogyne flaccida?
Hard brown or tan bumps on pseudobulbs and leaves; sticky honeydew encouraging sooty mold Remove manually with alcohol and a soft brush; apply horticultural oil; monitor monthly for crawler emergence
How do I get rid of fungus gnats on coelogyne flaccida?
Larvae feed on roots and organic matter in bark medium; adult gnats fly around plants indicating overwatering Allow medium to dry between waterings; use yellow sticky traps; drench with Bti (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis) solution