What's eating my lycaste aromatica?

Lycaste aromatica is a deciduous orchid that loses its leaves in winter — a period when scale and mealybug infestations can quietly establish on bare pseudobulbs. When in leaf, spider mites can be problematic in warm, dry conditions. Inspect bare pseudobulbs closely each autumn before the resting period.

Hard brown bumps on bare pseudobulbs and leaf undersides; honeydew accumulates during the resting phase Treat bare pseudobulbs with isopropyl alcohol and horticultural oil during dormancy; re-inspect at new growth emergence

White waxy colonies at pseudobulb bases and inside old leaf sheaths; stunt new growth in spring Swab with alcohol; apply neem oil spray to whole plant; repeat weekly until no live insects found

Silvery stippling and thin webbing on leaf surfaces during the growing season; leaves bronze and drop early Maintain adequate humidity; rinse foliage regularly; apply neem oil or a miticide at first sign of stippling