What's eating my nun's orchid?

Nun's Orchid (Phaius tankervilleae) is a terrestrial orchid grown partly outdoors in mild climates. Its worst threat is slugs and snails, which shred new growth and flower spikes overnight. Mealybugs, scale insects, and spider mites also attack, especially on plants kept under cover or brought indoors.

Ragged holes or entire leaf margins eaten overnight; silvery slime trails on foliage and growing medium Use iron phosphate slug pellets around the base; set beer traps; remove by hand at night; keep mulch back from pseudobulbs

White waxy fluff in leaf axils and at the base of pseudobulbs; sticky honeydew attracting ants Apply 70% isopropyl alcohol with a cotton swab; follow with neem oil spray; repeat weekly until clear

Raised brown bumps on pseudobulbs and stems; yellowing, weakened growth with honeydew residue Scrape off with a soft brush, then treat with horticultural oil; maintain good air circulation to prevent reinfection

Fine yellow stippling on leaves; webbing under leaves in warm, dry conditions Increase humidity around the plant; rinse leaves thoroughly; apply insecticidal soap or a miticide every 5–7 days