Pest identification
What's eating my golden bow dendrobium?
Scale insects
Signs: Hard or waxy bumps on pseudobulbs and stems; yellowing leaves and sticky honeydew deposits
Control: Scrape off manually and swab with isopropyl alcohol; repeat weekly and apply horticultural oil to smother remaining crawlers
Mealybugs
Signs: White fluffy wax in leaf axils and base of pseudobulbs; stunted new growth
Control: Remove with an alcohol-soaked cotton swab; treat surrounding medium with diluted neem oil drench
Spider mites
Signs: Pale stippled patches on leaf surfaces; fine webbing on undersides in warm, dry air
Control: Increase humidity around the plant, shower foliage, and apply insecticidal soap every 5–7 days for three applications
Keep golden bow dendrobium pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Golden Bow Dendrobium pests — FAQ
What is eating my golden bow dendrobium?
Golden Bow Dendrobium (Dendrobium chrysotoxum) is most commonly troubled by scale insects clinging to its thick pseudobulbs. Mealybugs and spider mites also appear, especially in dry indoor air. Check pseudobulbs at every watering; remove pests manually with alcohol and follow up with neem oil for persistent colonies.
How do I get rid of scale insects on golden bow dendrobium?
Hard or waxy bumps on pseudobulbs and stems; yellowing leaves and sticky honeydew deposits Scrape off manually and swab with isopropyl alcohol; repeat weekly and apply horticultural oil to smother remaining crawlers
How do I get rid of mealybugs on golden bow dendrobium?
White fluffy wax in leaf axils and base of pseudobulbs; stunted new growth Remove with an alcohol-soaked cotton swab; treat surrounding medium with diluted neem oil drench
How do I get rid of spider mites on golden bow dendrobium?
Pale stippled patches on leaf surfaces; fine webbing on undersides in warm, dry air Increase humidity around the plant, shower foliage, and apply insecticidal soap every 5–7 days for three applications