Pest identification
What's eating my pigeon orchid?
Scale insects
Signs: Brown or tan waxy bumps on pseudobulbs and stems; sticky honeydew and sooty mold follow
Control: Scrape off with a soft toothbrush dipped in rubbing alcohol; apply neem oil or horticultural oil spray every 7–10 days until clear
Mealybugs
Signs: White cottony clusters in leaf axils and at pseudobulb bases; leaves yellow and growth stalls
Control: Dab each cluster with a cotton swab soaked in 70% isopropyl alcohol; follow with neem oil drench on the potting medium
Spider mites
Signs: Fine silvery stippling on leaves; webbing visible under magnification in hot, dry conditions
Control: Boost humidity, rinse foliage with water, and apply insecticidal soap or a miticide spray weekly for three weeks
Keep pigeon orchid pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Pigeon Orchid pests — FAQ
What is eating my pigeon orchid?
Pigeon Orchid (Dendrobium crumenatum) is most threatened by scale insects and mealybugs indoors. Spider mites and aphids also attack weakened plants. Inspect pseudobulbs and leaf undersides regularly; isolate new plants, wipe pests with rubbing alcohol, and treat persistent infestations with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
How do I get rid of scale insects on pigeon orchid?
Brown or tan waxy bumps on pseudobulbs and stems; sticky honeydew and sooty mold follow Scrape off with a soft toothbrush dipped in rubbing alcohol; apply neem oil or horticultural oil spray every 7–10 days until clear
How do I get rid of mealybugs on pigeon orchid?
White cottony clusters in leaf axils and at pseudobulb bases; leaves yellow and growth stalls Dab each cluster with a cotton swab soaked in 70% isopropyl alcohol; follow with neem oil drench on the potting medium
How do I get rid of spider mites on pigeon orchid?
Fine silvery stippling on leaves; webbing visible under magnification in hot, dry conditions Boost humidity, rinse foliage with water, and apply insecticidal soap or a miticide spray weekly for three weeks