What's eating my ionopsis utricularioides?

Ionopsis utricularioides, a delicate miniature orchid often grown on cork or bark mounts, is most at risk from spider mites due to its thin leaves and preference for airflow. Mealybugs and aphids occasionally attack flower spikes. Good humidity, gentle airflow, and weekly visual checks keep this species pest-free.

Pale stippling and fine webbing on both leaf surfaces; thin leaves shrivel rapidly under heavy attack Raise humidity, spray insecticidal soap or neem oil over the whole plant and mount; repeat every 5–7 days

White powdery residue at leaf bases and pseudobulbs; honeydew makes foliage sticky Remove with alcohol swab, follow with neem oil spray; check nearby plants for spread

Clusters of soft-bodied insects on emerging flower spikes; buds may distort or fail to open Blast off with a gentle water stream, then apply insecticidal soap spray; repeat as needed