Pest identification
What's eating my phragmipedium 'living fire'?
Spider mites
Signs: Yellow stippling and fine webbing on the undersides of strap leaves; dull, papery foliage in severe cases
Control: Increase humidity and air movement, rinse leaves with tepid water, and spray neem oil or insecticidal soap every 5 days
Mealybugs
Signs: White fluffy wax at leaf bases and within the crown; sticky honeydew and slowed new growth
Control: Apply isopropyl alcohol directly to colonies with a cotton swab; follow with weekly neem oil spray until resolved
Scale insects
Signs: Small brown or tan bumps adhering to stems and leaf undersides; yellowing and sap depletion over time
Control: Scrape off with a soft toothbrush, wipe with alcohol, then apply horticultural oil ensuring full coverage of all surfaces
Keep phragmipedium 'living fire' pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Phragmipedium 'Living Fire' pests — FAQ
What is eating my phragmipedium 'living fire'?
Phragmipedium 'Living Fire', a vivid red hybrid slipper orchid, shares pest vulnerabilities with other Phragmipedium hybrids: spider mites are the top threat in warm, dry growing conditions. Mealybugs shelter in the leaf fan base, and scale can appear on pseudobulbs. Keep humidity high and inspect the crown at every watering.
How do I get rid of spider mites on phragmipedium 'living fire'?
Yellow stippling and fine webbing on the undersides of strap leaves; dull, papery foliage in severe cases Increase humidity and air movement, rinse leaves with tepid water, and spray neem oil or insecticidal soap every 5 days
How do I get rid of mealybugs on phragmipedium 'living fire'?
White fluffy wax at leaf bases and within the crown; sticky honeydew and slowed new growth Apply isopropyl alcohol directly to colonies with a cotton swab; follow with weekly neem oil spray until resolved
How do I get rid of scale insects on phragmipedium 'living fire'?
Small brown or tan bumps adhering to stems and leaf undersides; yellowing and sap depletion over time Scrape off with a soft toothbrush, wipe with alcohol, then apply horticultural oil ensuring full coverage of all surfaces