What's eating my hairy slipper orchid?

Hairy Slipper Orchid is most commonly troubled by scale insects and mealybugs, which shelter along its hairy leaf margins and in crown crevices. Spider mites can strike in low humidity. Avoid overhead watering to keep the hairy leaves dry, which reduces shelter for crawlers and discourages fungal disease alongside pests.

Small brown or tan shells on leaf undersides and along margins; slow growth and yellowing if untreated Remove with a soft alcohol-dampened cloth; apply horticultural oil spray; recheck monthly and treat again as needed

White cottony clusters in the crown and along leaf midribs; stunted new growth and honeydew deposits Dab with rubbing alcohol swabs; apply neem oil solution; avoid wetting the crown during treatment; isolate the plant

Fine pale stippling on leaf surfaces; faint webbing at leaf bases in dry indoor conditions Raise humidity to 55–65%; wipe leaves carefully with a damp cloth; apply insecticidal soap spray; repeat weekly