What's eating my pink moth orchid?

Pink moth orchid (Phalaenopsis schilleriana) shares the same pest vulnerabilities as other Phalaenopsis: scale and mealybugs at leaf bases, thrips on flowers, and fungus gnats in the bark mix. Its large, mottled foliage can hide scale early. Inspect the silvery leaf undersides monthly — that is where scale first appears.

Brown armoured bumps on leaf undersides and stems; yellowing, sticky leaves with sooty mould Scrape off with a soft toothbrush and isopropyl alcohol; treat monthly with horticultural oil spray

Waxy white fluff at leaf joints and crown; stunted new growth and honeydew residue Dab individual colonies with alcohol; apply diluted neem oil drench to crown and exposed roots; repeat weekly

Silvery streaks and necrotic patches on petals; premature bud drop before flowers open Remove infested flower spikes; spray with spinosad concentrate; keep away from affected cut flowers or garden plants

Larvae feed on fine roots in moist bark; plants wilt or fail to produce new roots Reduce watering frequency; drench bark with Bti solution; repot into fresh, open-grade bark if roots are badly damaged