What's eating my tiger orchid?

Tiger Orchid (Grammatophyllum speciosum) is most threatened by scale insects, which colonize pseudobulbs and canes. Spider mites, mealybugs, and aphids also attack this large epiphytic orchid. Because of its size and outdoor cultivation in tropical climates, it can also be visited by caterpillars chewing on new growth and flower spikes.

Brown or tan waxy bumps on pseudobulbs, canes, and leaf undersides; sticky honeydew and sooty mold follow Scrape off manually with a soft toothbrush, then apply horticultural oil or isopropyl alcohol (70%) on a cotton swab; repeat every 2 weeks

White cottony clusters in leaf axils and between pseudobulbs; weakened, yellowing growth Dab with 70% isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab; spray with neem oil solution; isolate the plant immediately

Fine stippling or silvery streaking on leaves; fine webbing visible under leaves in dry conditions Raise humidity, rinse foliage with water, apply insecticidal soap or miticide; repeat weekly for 3 weeks

Clusters of soft-bodied insects on new shoots and flower spikes; distorted new growth and sticky residue Blast off with a strong water spray; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil; introduce ladybirds outdoors