What's eating my paphiopedilum bellatulum?

Paphiopedilum bellatulum is a warm-growing, short-stemmed slipper orchid kept indoors where spider mites and mealybugs are the main threats. Its broad, tessellated leaves provide good hiding spots for pests. Overwatering also invites fungus gnats whose larvae damage the shallow root system. Inspect weekly under leaves and at the crown.

Bronze or yellow stippling across the broad patterned leaves; webbing in severe cases, especially in dry indoor air. Wipe leaves with a damp microfiber cloth, increase humidity, and apply diluted neem oil or insecticidal soap spray every 5–7 days.

White cottony residue at the base of leaves and in crown folds; sticky honeydew on leaf surfaces. Remove with an alcohol-tipped cotton bud; spray with half-strength insecticidal soap if colonies are widespread, repeating weekly.

Larvae in the bark mix eat fine root tips, causing yellowing and wilting; adults hovering around the pot. Let potting medium dry between waterings; drench with Bti solution; use yellow sticky traps to reduce adult populations.