What's eating my large cattleya?

Large Cattleya (Cattleya maxima) grows vigorously but shares the genus's vulnerability to scale and mealybugs, which shelter in its generous pseudobulb sheaths. Fungus gnats can attack roots in soggy bark. Its size means infestations can spread fast undetected — do a thorough sheath-strip and inspection every month.

Waxy or armored bumps on pseudobulbs, rhizomes, and leaf backs; stunted growth and yellowing leaves Manual removal with alcohol-soaked brush; horticultural oil spray every 3 weeks; remove papery sheaths to expose colonies

Fluffy white clusters in sheaths, at root zone, and on new leads; sooty mold on honeydew deposits Swab with rubbing alcohol; neem oil drench to root area; isolate and recheck every 10 days

Root tip damage from larvae in waterlogged bark; yellowing, wilting despite moist medium Let bark dry between waterings; apply Bti drench (e.g., Gnatrol); use yellow sticky traps to monitor adult population

Stippled, silvery leaves; webbing in sheaths and at leaf bases when indoor humidity is low Raise humidity above 50%; apply insecticidal soap spray; repeat every 5–7 days; avoid placing near heating vents