What's eating my hirsute slipper orchid?

Hirsute Slipper Orchid's pubescent leaves and tight crown are favored hiding spots for mealybugs and scale insects. Spider mites attack in dry air. Because hairy leaf surfaces trap moisture and debris, careful targeted treatment — avoiding saturation of the crown — is important to control pests without encouraging rot.

Cottony white wax at the crown base, leaf midribs, and in crevices between leaves; stunted growth Target colonies with isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab; apply diluted neem oil to the potting medium; re-treat every 10 days

Brown or off-white armored bumps along leaf undersides and midribs; yellowing and weak new growths Remove manually with an alcohol-soaked soft brush; spray horticultural oil; inspect and retreat monthly

Pale stippled spots across the leaf blade; hair-trapped debris can obscure early webbing Gently wipe leaf surfaces; raise humidity; apply insecticidal soap spray, taking care to treat undersides thoroughly