What's eating my dendrochilum filiforme?

Dendrochilum filiforme, with its very fine grass-like leaves, is grown indoors or in a cool greenhouse and faces the standard orchid indoor pest complex. Spider mites are the top threat due to its thin foliage. Mealybugs and fungus gnats (in overly moist media) are also common concerns.

Stippled, faded, or bronzed fine leaves; gossamer webbing visible between foliage clusters under magnification Boost humidity, remove affected growth, and treat with neem oil or miticide spray on a 5–7 day cycle

White cottony tufts at the base of the fine leaf sheaths and along rhizomes; plants weaken over time Apply isopropyl alcohol with a cotton swab to each colony; follow with neem oil as a preventive spray

Larvae chew fine roots in moist growing media, causing wilting and yellowing despite adequate watering Allow the top layer of media to dry between waterings; apply Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis (Bti) drench or yellow sticky traps for adults