What's eating my dendrochilum glumaceum?

Dendrochilum glumaceum, a cool-growing tropical orchid typically grown indoors or in a greenhouse, is most threatened by spider mites in warm, dry conditions. Mealybugs, scale insects, and aphids also attack this plant. Inspect pseudobulbs and leaf axils regularly and treat early with appropriate controls.

Fine stippling on leaves, silvery webbing on undersides and between leaves; foliage looks dusty or bronzed Raise humidity, mist foliage, and spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; repeat every 5–7 days for three rounds

White cottony masses in leaf axils, pseudobulb sheaths, and root zone; sticky honeydew and sooty mold follow Dab individual colonies with a cotton swab dipped in 70% isopropyl alcohol; follow with neem oil spray every 10 days

Brown or tan waxy bumps on pseudobulbs and leaf undersides; yellowing and weakened growth Scrape off manually with a soft toothbrush, then apply horticultural oil or systemic imidacloprid drench if infestation persists

Clusters of soft insects on new growth and flower spikes; distorted buds and sticky residue Blast off with a strong water spray; treat remaining insects with insecticidal soap, avoiding open blooms