Pest identification
What's eating my lady of the night?
Spider mites
Signs: Fine silver stippling and webbing on terete leaves, especially in hot, dry environments
Control: Increase humidity and airflow; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil weekly for three to four weeks
Scale insects
Signs: Waxy bumps along leaves and pseudobulbs; sticky honeydew and reduced plant vigor
Control: Remove with isopropyl alcohol on a soft brush; apply neem oil spray every 7–10 days until resolved
Mealybugs
Signs: White cottony wax in pseudobulb nodes and leaf bases; leaves may yellow in heavy infestations
Control: Dab directly with 70% isopropyl alcohol swabs; repeat and drench medium with diluted neem oil
Keep lady of the night pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Lady of the Night pests — FAQ
What is eating my lady of the night?
Lady of the Night (Brassavola nodosa) is a tough, drought-tolerant orchid most bothered by spider mites in warm, dry indoor conditions. Scale insects and mealybugs also occur on its reed-like terete leaves and pseudobulbs. Maintain adequate airflow and humidity, inspect monthly, and treat early with neem oil to prevent spread.
How do I get rid of spider mites on lady of the night?
Fine silver stippling and webbing on terete leaves, especially in hot, dry environments Increase humidity and airflow; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil weekly for three to four weeks
How do I get rid of scale insects on lady of the night?
Waxy bumps along leaves and pseudobulbs; sticky honeydew and reduced plant vigor Remove with isopropyl alcohol on a soft brush; apply neem oil spray every 7–10 days until resolved
How do I get rid of mealybugs on lady of the night?
White cottony wax in pseudobulb nodes and leaf bases; leaves may yellow in heavy infestations Dab directly with 70% isopropyl alcohol swabs; repeat and drench medium with diluted neem oil