What's eating my phragmipedium longifolium?

Phragmipedium longifolium, the long-leafed slipper orchid, is most vulnerable to spider mites, particularly when air circulation is poor or humidity drops. Mealybugs exploit its fan-like leaf arrangement to hide at the base. Scale insects and aphids on flower spikes are secondary concerns. Consistent moisture and high humidity are the best prevention.

Bronze stippling and silvery sheen on long strap-like leaves; fine webbing at the crown in low humidity Maintain humidity above 65%, mist regularly, and apply neem oil or insecticidal soap spray every 5–7 days for 3 cycles

White cottony masses deep in the leaf fan base; stunted new growths and sticky honeydew Flush the crown carefully with water, dab colonies with alcohol, and apply a systemic neem drench to the root zone

Sticky honeydew and distorted tissue on emerging flower spikes; clusters visible at spike tips Wash off with a gentle water jet, then spray insecticidal soap or pyrethrin solution; repeat after 7 days