What's eating my miltonia orchid?

Miltonia orchids are most troubled by spider mites, which thrive in the warm, dry air they often receive indoors. Mealybugs, scale insects, and aphids also attack foliage and flower spikes. Inspect leaf undersides and pseudobulbs regularly; a weekly misting raises humidity and keeps mites in check.

Fine silvery stippling or bronzing on leaves; fine webbing on leaf undersides and between leaves Raise humidity; rinse foliage with water; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil; repeat weekly for 3 weeks

White cottony clusters in leaf axils and along pseudobulbs; sticky honeydew and sooty mold Dab individual insects with a 70% isopropyl alcohol-soaked cotton swab; treat with neem oil spray; isolate the plant

Brown or tan shell-like bumps on stems, pseudobulbs, and leaf undersides; yellowing and stunted growth Scrape off manually; apply horticultural oil or 70% isopropyl alcohol on a cloth; treat monthly until clear

Clusters of soft insects on new growth and flower buds; distorted growth and sticky residue Blast off with a gentle water stream; apply insecticidal soap spray; check new growth weekly