What's eating my laelia gouldiana?

Laelia gouldiana, a rare Mexican autumn-blooming orchid, is grown as an indoor or cool greenhouse specimen. Like most Laelia species it is most troubled by scale insects and mealybugs on its pseudobulbs. Spider mites can strike during the warm, dry rest period. Vigilance at sheath removal prevents hidden colonies.

Hard rounded bumps clustered on pseudobulbs and leaf bases; weakened growth and poor bloom set. Physically remove scale, then spray with horticultural oil; treat every two weeks for at least two cycles.

White fluff hidden beneath drying pseudobulb sheaths; roots may also be infested, causing decline. Strip old sheaths carefully, swab with isopropyl alcohol, and drench the root zone with neem oil.

Silvery speckled leaf surfaces and fine webbing in dry indoor conditions during the dry season. Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil and improve air humidity; repeat weekly until resolved.