What's eating my epidendrum secundum?

Epidendrum secundum, a reed-stem orchid often grown outdoors in warm climates, faces threats from spider mites indoors and aphids plus scale insects outdoors. Mealybugs colonise reed stems and roots, and caterpillars can chew flower spikes and new leaves when plants are grown outside in summer. Spider mites are the most common indoor culprit.

Fine stippling, silvery mottling, and webbing on reed-stem leaves; particularly bad in dry indoor air Raise humidity; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil covering leaf undersides; repeat weekly for three to four weeks.

Soft-bodied insects clustering on new growth and flower spikes; distorted leaves and sticky honeydew deposits Blast off with a water spray; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil; introduce natural predators (ladybirds/lacewings) in outdoor or greenhouse settings.

Brown shell-like bumps along reed stems and leaf undersides; weakened growth, pale leaves, and reduced flowering Scrape off manually; swab with isopropyl alcohol; apply horticultural oil spray and repeat bi-weekly.

White cottony deposits at stem nodes and root collars; honeydew leads to sooty mould on stems Remove with isopropyl-alcohol swab; drench roots with neem oil solution if root mealybugs are suspected; repeat at ten-day intervals.