What's eating my jewel orchid?

Jewel orchids (Ludisia discolor) are prized for their velvety foliage and are most commonly attacked by fungus gnats, whose larvae damage roots in moist soil. Mealybugs and spider mites occasionally infest the delicate leaves. Avoiding overwatering and letting the topsoil surface dry slightly between waterings is the best defense.

Tiny dark flies around the soil; larvae chew fine roots causing wilting and yellowing despite moist soil Allow the top inch of soil to dry between waterings; apply sticky yellow traps; drench soil with Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis (Bti) or a dilute hydrogen peroxide solution

White waxy masses in leaf joints and along stems; sticky honeydew on foliage Remove with a 70% isopropyl alcohol-tipped cotton swab; follow with neem oil spray; isolate the plant

Pale stippling and fine webbing on the distinctive patterned leaves, dulling their appearance Increase humidity; mist regularly; treat with insecticidal soap or dilute neem oil; repeat every 5–7 days