Pest identification
What's eating my mule-ear oncidium?
Spider mites
Signs: Fine stippling and silvery webbing on leaf undersides; leaves turn dull or bronze
Control: Raise humidity, wipe leaves with a damp cloth, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil spray; repeat weekly for three weeks
Scale insects
Signs: Brown or tan waxy bumps on leaves and pseudobulbs; sticky honeydew and sooty mold follow
Control: Scrape off with a soft toothbrush dipped in rubbing alcohol; treat remaining crawlers with horticultural oil
Mealybugs
Signs: White cottony clusters in leaf axils and at pseudobulb bases; plant weakens and growth slows
Control: Dab individuals with a cotton swab dipped in 70% isopropyl alcohol; follow with neem oil spray for the whole plant
Keep mule-ear oncidium pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Mule-Ear Oncidium pests — FAQ
What is eating my mule-ear oncidium?
Mule-Ear Oncidium is most commonly attacked by spider mites and scale insects indoors. Its thick, fleshy leaves attract mealybugs too. Inspect the leaf undersides and pseudobulb bases regularly. Isolate new plants for two weeks before placing near your collection to prevent introducing pests.
How do I get rid of spider mites on mule-ear oncidium?
Fine stippling and silvery webbing on leaf undersides; leaves turn dull or bronze Raise humidity, wipe leaves with a damp cloth, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil spray; repeat weekly for three weeks
How do I get rid of scale insects on mule-ear oncidium?
Brown or tan waxy bumps on leaves and pseudobulbs; sticky honeydew and sooty mold follow Scrape off with a soft toothbrush dipped in rubbing alcohol; treat remaining crawlers with horticultural oil
How do I get rid of mealybugs on mule-ear oncidium?
White cottony clusters in leaf axils and at pseudobulb bases; plant weakens and growth slows Dab individuals with a cotton swab dipped in 70% isopropyl alcohol; follow with neem oil spray for the whole plant