What's eating my laelia anceps?

Laelia anceps is a cool-tolerant Mexican orchid often grown outdoors in mild climates or in bright indoor/greenhouse spaces. Spider mites and scale are its most common foes. Where grown outdoors, aphids may attack flowering spikes. Good airflow and consistent monitoring prevent most serious outbreaks.

Hard tan or brown bumps on pseudobulbs and the undersides of leaves; yellowing and reduced flowering. Manually remove with a soft brush, then apply horticultural oil spray; repeat every two weeks until clear.

Fine webbing, silvery leaf stippling, especially during dry winter rest periods. Increase humidity and spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap weekly until populations collapse.

Soft green or black insects on emerging spikes; honeydew and distorted flower buds. Spray with a strong water jet; follow with insecticidal soap spray repeated every five days.