What's eating my dracula simia?

Dracula simia (monkey face orchid) is a rare, cool-growing Ecuadorian orchid extremely sensitive to heat and pests. Spider mites are the primary threat, rapidly disfiguring foliage in warm, dry rooms. Fungus gnats colonise wet sphagnum root media, and mealybugs hide in dense leaf bases. Strict cool temperatures and high humidity are non-negotiable defences.

Pale stippling and webbing on leaf undersides; leaves turn bronze and drop if temperatures climb above 18–20 °C Maintain temperatures 10–18 °C; boost humidity to 80%+; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil at first sign and repeat weekly

Larvae destroy delicate roots in moisture-retentive media; plants show sudden wilting despite watering Drench with Bti (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis); use yellow sticky traps; allow only the very surface of moss to dry

White cottony clusters at leaf axils and base; honeydew residue and stunted new growth Swab individual colonies with 70% isopropyl alcohol; isolate plant; use neem oil root drench if root mealybugs are present