What's eating my encyclia cordigera?

Encyclia cordigera, a robust fragrant orchid, is most frequently attacked by scale insects on its hard pseudobulbs and thick leaves. Spider mites can flare up in warm, dry rooms, and mealybugs colonise pseudobulb sheaths. Slugs and snails pose a risk in greenhouse or outdoor summer growing conditions.

Hard brown or tan shell-like bumps on pseudobulbs and leaf undersides; reduced plant vigour and pale or yellowing leaves Scrape off with a soft brush; treat with isopropyl alcohol swabs; apply horticultural oil spray and repeat every two weeks.

Pale stippling and webbing on leaves; dull, silvery leaf surfaces in moderate to severe attacks Increase humidity; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil spray to leaf undersides weekly until infestation clears.

White waxy fluff in pseudobulb sheaths and at root collars; honeydew promotes sooty mould Strip old sheaths at repotting; spot-treat with isopropyl alcohol; apply neem oil root drench at ten-day intervals.

Irregular holes and ragged edges on new leaves and buds when grown outdoors in summer or in greenhouses Handpick at night; apply iron phosphate pellets; use copper tape barriers around pots or benches.