What's eating my dracula vampira?

Dracula vampira, a cool-growing cloud-forest orchid, is most threatened by spider mites in warm, dry indoor conditions. Mealybugs and scale insects also target its fleshy roots and leaves. Fungus gnats can damage roots in overly moist bark mixes. Maintain high humidity and good airflow to keep pests at bay.

Fine webbing on leaf undersides; stippled, silvery or bronzed leaf surfaces; leaves may yellow and drop Raise humidity, mist foliage daily, and wipe leaves with a damp cloth. Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil spray; repeat weekly for three weeks.

White cottony clusters in leaf axils, at pseudobulb bases, and on roots; sticky honeydew residue Dab individual colonies with a cotton swab dipped in 70% isopropyl alcohol. For heavy infestations use a diluted neem oil or insecticidal soap drench.

Brown or tan shell-like bumps on stems and leaf undersides; weakened growth, yellowing leaves Scrape off scales with a soft toothbrush, then treat with horticultural oil or isopropyl alcohol wipes. Repeat every two weeks until clear.

Larvae chew fine roots in the bark mix; adult gnats fly around the plant but cause little direct leaf damage Allow the bark surface to dry slightly between waterings. Apply Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis (Bti) drench or beneficial nematodes (Steinernema feltiae) to the medium.