What's eating my lemboglossum rossii?

Lemboglossum rossii, a cool-growing Mexican orchid, is most commonly troubled by spider mites, which thrive when the air is dry and warm — conditions opposite to what this orchid prefers. Aphids target flower spikes, and mealybugs shelter in pseudobulb sheaths. Keeping temperatures cool and humidity stable greatly reduces pest pressure.

Fine yellow stippling on pseudobulbs and leaves; papery leaf texture with webbing in severe cases Ensure good airflow and humidity, then spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; repeat every 5–7 days for 3 treatments

Sticky honeydew on flower spikes and buds; distorted or aborted flowers; clusters of small green or black insects Wash off with water, then apply insecticidal soap spray to spike and surrounding foliage; repeat as needed

White fluff inside pseudobulb sheaths and at the base of new growths; slowed or distorted development Peel back dry sheaths carefully, dab colonies with isopropyl alcohol, and follow up with a preventive neem oil spray