Pest identification
What's eating my reed-stem orchid?
Mealybugs
Signs: White fluffy masses hidden inside leaf sheaths along the reed stems; plant weakens and new growth is stunted
Control: Peel back leaf sheaths; dab mealybugs with isopropyl alcohol; spray with neem oil; repeat every 2 weeks
Aphids
Signs: Colonies on new shoot tips and around flower clusters; distorted buds and sticky honeydew
Control: Knock off with a water jet; apply insecticidal soap; more common when plants are moved outdoors in summer
Scale insects
Signs: Brown shell-like bumps on reed stems and under leaves; leaves yellow in bands above feeding sites
Control: Physically remove with a brush; apply horticultural oil or neem oil; check stems thoroughly at each treatment
Spider mites
Signs: Fine pale stippling on long strap leaves; webbing visible in dry, heated indoor conditions
Control: Mist foliage; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil; improve humidity and air circulation around the plant
Keep reed-stem orchid pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Reed-stem orchid pests — FAQ
What is eating my reed-stem orchid?
Epidendrum reed-stem orchids are vigorous growers that in summer can be moved outdoors, where they attract aphids and occasionally caterpillars in addition to the typical orchid indoor pests. Mealybugs are the most persistent issue year-round. Scale insects and spider mites also appear. Check stems carefully where the leaf sheaths clasp the reed stems.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on reed-stem orchid?
White fluffy masses hidden inside leaf sheaths along the reed stems; plant weakens and new growth is stunted Peel back leaf sheaths; dab mealybugs with isopropyl alcohol; spray with neem oil; repeat every 2 weeks
How do I get rid of aphids on reed-stem orchid?
Colonies on new shoot tips and around flower clusters; distorted buds and sticky honeydew Knock off with a water jet; apply insecticidal soap; more common when plants are moved outdoors in summer
How do I get rid of scale insects on reed-stem orchid?
Brown shell-like bumps on reed stems and under leaves; leaves yellow in bands above feeding sites Physically remove with a brush; apply horticultural oil or neem oil; check stems thoroughly at each treatment
How do I get rid of spider mites on reed-stem orchid?
Fine pale stippling on long strap leaves; webbing visible in dry, heated indoor conditions Mist foliage; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil; improve humidity and air circulation around the plant