Pest identification
What's eating my trichoglottis brachiata?
Spider mites
Signs: Yellow stippling and fine webbing on leaf undersides; heavily infested leaves turn bronze and die
Control: Mist leaves frequently, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to all leaf surfaces; repeat every 5–7 days for 3 cycles
Mealybugs
Signs: White waxy masses at leaf axils and near roots; plant growth slows and leaves yellow
Control: Dab with isopropyl alcohol, spray neem oil solution over entire plant; isolate from other orchids during treatment
Scale insects
Signs: Oval brown bumps adhering to stems and leaf undersides; honeydew and sooty mold develop
Control: Physically remove with a soft toothbrush and soapy water; follow up with horticultural oil application
Keep trichoglottis brachiata pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Trichoglottis brachiata pests — FAQ
What is eating my trichoglottis brachiata?
Trichoglottis brachiata, a monopodial tropical orchid, faces the greatest threat from spider mites, which thrive in dry indoor air. Mealybugs and scale also target the thick leaves and stem. Regular inspection of the leaf axils and undersides, combined with neem oil treatment, keeps this species in good health.
How do I get rid of spider mites on trichoglottis brachiata?
Yellow stippling and fine webbing on leaf undersides; heavily infested leaves turn bronze and die Mist leaves frequently, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to all leaf surfaces; repeat every 5–7 days for 3 cycles
How do I get rid of mealybugs on trichoglottis brachiata?
White waxy masses at leaf axils and near roots; plant growth slows and leaves yellow Dab with isopropyl alcohol, spray neem oil solution over entire plant; isolate from other orchids during treatment
How do I get rid of scale insects on trichoglottis brachiata?
Oval brown bumps adhering to stems and leaf undersides; honeydew and sooty mold develop Physically remove with a soft toothbrush and soapy water; follow up with horticultural oil application