Pest identification
What's eating my rock lily?
Scale insects
Signs: Hard or soft shells clustered on pseudobulbs and canes; yellowing and premature leaf drop
Control: Scrape off with a cotton swab soaked in methylated spirits; treat with neem oil or insecticidal soap spray monthly
Mealybugs
Signs: White waxy wool at pseudobulb bases and under leaf sheaths; slow decline and shrivelled canes
Control: Apply isopropyl alcohol directly to colonies; follow with a systemic neem oil drench and spray cycle
Spider mites
Signs: Fine pale stippling on leaf surfaces; webbing visible in very dry conditions
Control: Raise humidity with a pebble tray; spray with miticide or insecticidal soap; ensure good air flow
Keep rock lily pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Rock Lily pests — FAQ
What is eating my rock lily?
Rock Lily (Dendrobium speciosum) grown as a tropical houseplant or cool-room orchid is most at risk from scale insects on its pseudobulbs and from mealybugs at the leaf sheaths. Spider mites can establish in low-humidity conditions. Slugs may damage plants kept outdoors in humid climates. Regular inspection of pseudobulb bases is essential.
How do I get rid of scale insects on rock lily?
Hard or soft shells clustered on pseudobulbs and canes; yellowing and premature leaf drop Scrape off with a cotton swab soaked in methylated spirits; treat with neem oil or insecticidal soap spray monthly
How do I get rid of mealybugs on rock lily?
White waxy wool at pseudobulb bases and under leaf sheaths; slow decline and shrivelled canes Apply isopropyl alcohol directly to colonies; follow with a systemic neem oil drench and spray cycle
How do I get rid of spider mites on rock lily?
Fine pale stippling on leaf surfaces; webbing visible in very dry conditions Raise humidity with a pebble tray; spray with miticide or insecticidal soap; ensure good air flow