Pest identification
What's eating my masdevallia veitchiana?
Spider mites
Signs: Fine webbing on leaf undersides; leaves develop silvery stippling and dry out rapidly
Control: Increase humidity and air movement; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil; repeat weekly for three treatments
Mealybugs
Signs: White cottony masses at leaf bases and in sheaths; honeydew deposits attract sooty mould
Control: Dab with 70% isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab; drench media with diluted neem solution; isolate plant immediately
Fungus gnats
Signs: Larvae chew fine roots and root tips in moist media, causing wilting and yellowing leaves
Control: Allow surface of media to approach dryness between waterings; use sticky yellow traps for adults; drench with Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti)
Keep masdevallia veitchiana pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Masdevallia veitchiana pests — FAQ
What is eating my masdevallia veitchiana?
Masdevallia veitchiana, a cool-growing Andean orchid, is most commonly attacked by spider mites in warm, dry indoor conditions. Fungus gnats breed in consistently moist moss or bark media, and mealybugs can hide at leaf bases. Maintaining cool temperatures and good air circulation deters most pest problems on this species.
How do I get rid of spider mites on masdevallia veitchiana?
Fine webbing on leaf undersides; leaves develop silvery stippling and dry out rapidly Increase humidity and air movement; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil; repeat weekly for three treatments
How do I get rid of mealybugs on masdevallia veitchiana?
White cottony masses at leaf bases and in sheaths; honeydew deposits attract sooty mould Dab with 70% isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab; drench media with diluted neem solution; isolate plant immediately
How do I get rid of fungus gnats on masdevallia veitchiana?
Larvae chew fine roots and root tips in moist media, causing wilting and yellowing leaves Allow surface of media to approach dryness between waterings; use sticky yellow traps for adults; drench with Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti)