What's eating my phalaenopsis 'liodoro'?

Phalaenopsis 'Liodoro' is a fragrant hybrid orchid susceptible to the standard Phalaenopsis pest complex: mealybugs and scale hiding in leaf bases and the crown, thrips on the waxy flowers, and fungus gnats in bark compost. Scale insects can be camouflaged against the dark leaf surface — run a finger along undersides to detect them.

White wax masses at crown, leaf joints, and root tips; honeydew drips and leaves yellow Swab with 70% isopropyl alcohol; drench crown with neem oil solution weekly; repeat for at least four weeks

Flat brown or tan discs on dark leaves and stems; plant loses vigour gradually over weeks Scrape off individually; apply horticultural oil spray once a month; quarantine from other orchids

Silver-streaked or scarred petals; affected flowers lose their waxy appearance and scent is unaffected but blooms shorten Remove damaged spikes; treat with spinosad spray; keep plant away from open windows during blooming

Root damage from larvae in moist bark compost; plant wilts between waterings as root function declines Reduce watering frequency; apply Bti (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis) drench; place yellow sticky traps near the pot