Pest identification
What's eating my encyclia tampensis?
Scale insects
Signs: Brown or grey crusty bumps on pseudobulbs and leaves; yellowing, and honeydew promoting sooty mold
Control: Remove with an alcohol-dampened cloth or toothbrush; apply horticultural oil or neem oil and repeat monthly
Mealybugs
Signs: White cottony deposits at the base of pseudobulbs and leaf sheaths; stunted growth and leaf drop
Control: Dab with isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab; spray plant thoroughly with neem oil every 5–7 days
Aphids
Signs: Clusters on new growth tips and flower spikes; curling, distorted buds and sticky honeydew deposits
Control: Spray with insecticidal soap or a strong water jet; repeat weekly; use yellow sticky traps to monitor
Keep encyclia tampensis pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Encyclia tampensis pests — FAQ
What is eating my encyclia tampensis?
Encyclia tampensis, Florida's native butterfly orchid, is vulnerable to scale insects, mealybugs, and aphids — common pests across Cattleya-alliance orchids. When grown outdoors in warm climates, slugs may target new growth at night. Inspect pseudobulbs and the undersides of leaves regularly.
How do I get rid of scale insects on encyclia tampensis?
Brown or grey crusty bumps on pseudobulbs and leaves; yellowing, and honeydew promoting sooty mold Remove with an alcohol-dampened cloth or toothbrush; apply horticultural oil or neem oil and repeat monthly
How do I get rid of mealybugs on encyclia tampensis?
White cottony deposits at the base of pseudobulbs and leaf sheaths; stunted growth and leaf drop Dab with isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab; spray plant thoroughly with neem oil every 5–7 days
How do I get rid of aphids on encyclia tampensis?
Clusters on new growth tips and flower spikes; curling, distorted buds and sticky honeydew deposits Spray with insecticidal soap or a strong water jet; repeat weekly; use yellow sticky traps to monitor