Pest identification
What's eating my snake orchid?
Scale insects
Signs: Brown or cream-coloured shields on leaves and stems; sticky honeydew and associated sooty mold
Control: Scrape off with a soft toothbrush and alcohol; treat the whole plant with horticultural oil spray
Mealybugs
Signs: White cottony masses in leaf axils; leaves yellow and growth stalls
Control: Dab with alcohol-soaked cotton swab; spray plant thoroughly with neem oil; repeat after one week
Aphids
Signs: Soft-bodied clusters on new shoots and flower spikes; distorted buds and honeydew residue
Control: Knock off with water spray; apply insecticidal soap; introduce ladybugs if growing outdoors
Keep snake orchid pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Snake Orchid pests — FAQ
What is eating my snake orchid?
Snake Orchid (Cymbidium ensifolium) is a vigorous species susceptible to scale, mealybugs, and aphids on its thin strap leaves and fragrant flower spikes. Grown outdoors in mild climates it can encounter slugs on new growths. Good air circulation and regular inspection are the best defences.
How do I get rid of scale insects on snake orchid?
Brown or cream-coloured shields on leaves and stems; sticky honeydew and associated sooty mold Scrape off with a soft toothbrush and alcohol; treat the whole plant with horticultural oil spray
How do I get rid of mealybugs on snake orchid?
White cottony masses in leaf axils; leaves yellow and growth stalls Dab with alcohol-soaked cotton swab; spray plant thoroughly with neem oil; repeat after one week
How do I get rid of aphids on snake orchid?
Soft-bodied clusters on new shoots and flower spikes; distorted buds and honeydew residue Knock off with water spray; apply insecticidal soap; introduce ladybugs if growing outdoors