Growli

Pest identification

What's eating my tiger moth orchid?

Mealybugs

Signs: White cottony masses at leaf bases and crown; slow decline, sticky foliage, and stunted roots

Control: Spot-treat with isopropyl alcohol; spray entire plant with neem oil every 7–10 days for 4 weeks

Scale insects

Signs: Hard brown or tan bumps fused to leaf undersides and stems; yellowing and reduced flowering

Control: Manually remove with alcohol-soaked cotton; follow with horticultural oil spray monthly

Thrips

Signs: Silvery scarring on petals and buds; flowers look streaked or fail to open properly

Control: Cut affected spikes; apply spinosad or insecticidal soap; move plant away from open windows during flowering

Keep tiger moth orchid pest-free

Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:

Tiger Moth Orchid pests — FAQ

What is eating my tiger moth orchid?

Tiger moth orchid (Phalaenopsis amboinensis) is a compact species orchid with the same susceptibility to mealybugs, scale, and thrips as other Phalaenopsis. Its waxy, thick leaves can harbour scale undetected for weeks. Thrips are a particular risk when in bloom. Inspect leaves and flower spikes at every watering.

How do I get rid of mealybugs on tiger moth orchid?

White cottony masses at leaf bases and crown; slow decline, sticky foliage, and stunted roots Spot-treat with isopropyl alcohol; spray entire plant with neem oil every 7–10 days for 4 weeks

How do I get rid of scale insects on tiger moth orchid?

Hard brown or tan bumps fused to leaf undersides and stems; yellowing and reduced flowering Manually remove with alcohol-soaked cotton; follow with horticultural oil spray monthly

How do I get rid of thrips on tiger moth orchid?

Silvery scarring on petals and buds; flowers look streaked or fail to open properly Cut affected spikes; apply spinosad or insecticidal soap; move plant away from open windows during flowering