What's eating my dracula sodiroi?

Dracula sodiroi is a cool-growing miniature orchid susceptible to spider mites in warm, low-humidity interiors. Mealybugs can colonise its leaf bases and roots, and fungus gnats exploit the perpetually moist bark medium it requires. Consistent cool temperatures and strong airflow are the best preventive measures.

Fine webbing, pale stippling or silvery sheen on leaves; leaf tips brown in severe cases Increase humidity with a cool-mist humidifier; spray with insecticidal soap or diluted neem oil weekly. Remove heavily infested leaves.

Fluffy white wax deposits at leaf bases and in root zones; honeydew leads to sooty mould Treat spots with isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab. Follow with neem oil or insecticidal soap spray; repeat at ten-day intervals.

Root damage from larvae in consistently moist bark; adult gnats indicate overly wet conditions Use Bti-based watering drench (e.g. Gnatrol); add a layer of fine grit to the surface. Let bark surface dry slightly between waterings where cool temps allow.