Pest identification
What's eating my star of bethlehem orchid?
Scale insects
Signs: Flat or domed waxy bumps along stems and leaf midribs; yellowing leaves and honeydew drips
Control: Scrape off with a soft toothbrush; wipe down with 70% isopropyl alcohol; follow with horticultural oil every 2 weeks
Mealybugs
Signs: White cottony clusters where leaves meet the stem; weakened, deformed new leaves
Control: Treat with alcohol-soaked cotton swabs; spray with neem oil; repeat every 5–7 days for 3 weeks
Spider mites
Signs: Fine yellow speckles on leaves; delicate webbing on leaf undersides in low-humidity conditions
Control: Increase ambient humidity; rinse leaves weekly; apply insecticidal soap or a miticide, repeating weekly
Fungus gnats
Signs: Adults are a nuisance; larvae eat fine roots in moist bark or sphagnum moss, causing wilting
Control: Allow the growing medium to dry slightly between waterings; apply Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) drench; use sticky yellow traps
Keep star of bethlehem orchid pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Star of Bethlehem Orchid pests — FAQ
What is eating my star of bethlehem orchid?
Star of Bethlehem Orchid (Angraecum sesquipedale) is a monopodial epiphytic orchid most commonly attacked by scale insects on its thick stems and strap leaves. Mealybugs hide in leaf axils, and spider mites thrive in dry indoor air. Fungus gnats can also infest moist bark-based potting mix.
How do I get rid of scale insects on star of bethlehem orchid?
Flat or domed waxy bumps along stems and leaf midribs; yellowing leaves and honeydew drips Scrape off with a soft toothbrush; wipe down with 70% isopropyl alcohol; follow with horticultural oil every 2 weeks
How do I get rid of mealybugs on star of bethlehem orchid?
White cottony clusters where leaves meet the stem; weakened, deformed new leaves Treat with alcohol-soaked cotton swabs; spray with neem oil; repeat every 5–7 days for 3 weeks
How do I get rid of spider mites on star of bethlehem orchid?
Fine yellow speckles on leaves; delicate webbing on leaf undersides in low-humidity conditions Increase ambient humidity; rinse leaves weekly; apply insecticidal soap or a miticide, repeating weekly
How do I get rid of fungus gnats on star of bethlehem orchid?
Adults are a nuisance; larvae eat fine roots in moist bark or sphagnum moss, causing wilting Allow the growing medium to dry slightly between waterings; apply Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) drench; use sticky yellow traps