What's eating my phragmipedium besseae?

Phragmipedium besseae, the scarlet slipper orchid from Ecuador and Peru, is most commonly attacked by spider mites when grown in warm, low-humidity conditions. Mealybugs shelter in the base of its strap-like leaves, and scale insects can colonise stems. Keeping this moisture-loving orchid consistently damp and humid is the best pest deterrent.

Fine yellow or grey stippling on strap leaves; webbing in the crown and leaf bases; rapid decline in dry heat Raise humidity to 70%+, rinse foliage frequently, and treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil every 5 days until clear

White waxy fluff at the base of leaves and along the rhizome; stunted new growth and yellowing Remove with alcohol-soaked cotton swabs; treat the growing medium and roots with a neem drench; repeat weekly

Hard tan or brown bumps on leaf undersides and stems; slow loss of vigour and sticky excretions Scrape off manually, wipe with isopropyl alcohol, and apply horticultural oil spray, ensuring full coverage