Pest identification
What's eating my lycaste skinneri?
Scale insects
Signs: Brown or grey armored bumps on pseudobulbs; weakens the plant and leaves yellowing residue when removed
Control: Apply isopropyl alcohol directly during dormancy; follow with horticultural oil; check monthly through winter
Mealybugs
Signs: Cottony white masses at the base of pseudobulbs and in leaf axils; new growths emerge small and weak
Control: Dab with alcohol; spray neem oil or insecticidal soap; repeat every 5–7 days for at least three treatments
Slugs and snails
Signs: Ragged holes and slime trails on emerging new growths and flower buds; damage is worst in cool, damp conditions
Control: Hand-pick at night; apply ferric phosphate slug pellets around pots; use copper tape barriers on benches
Keep lycaste skinneri pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Lycaste skinneri pests — FAQ
What is eating my lycaste skinneri?
Lycaste skinneri (Guatemala's national flower) is vulnerable to scale and mealybugs — especially during its leafless dormancy when pseudobulbs are exposed. Slugs can devastate emerging new growths and flower buds in cooler greenhouse settings. Inspect the base of pseudobulbs and treat early to protect the valuable spring blooms.
How do I get rid of scale insects on lycaste skinneri?
Brown or grey armored bumps on pseudobulbs; weakens the plant and leaves yellowing residue when removed Apply isopropyl alcohol directly during dormancy; follow with horticultural oil; check monthly through winter
How do I get rid of mealybugs on lycaste skinneri?
Cottony white masses at the base of pseudobulbs and in leaf axils; new growths emerge small and weak Dab with alcohol; spray neem oil or insecticidal soap; repeat every 5–7 days for at least three treatments
How do I get rid of slugs and snails on lycaste skinneri?
Ragged holes and slime trails on emerging new growths and flower buds; damage is worst in cool, damp conditions Hand-pick at night; apply ferric phosphate slug pellets around pots; use copper tape barriers on benches