Pest identification
What's eating my unscented dendrobium?
Scale insects
Signs: Brown or tan shell-like bumps on canes and pseudobulbs; sticky deposits and sooty mould
Control: Wipe canes with a cloth soaked in methylated spirits; repeat monthly and treat with neem oil spray
Mealybugs
Signs: Cottony white clusters in leaf axils and at cane joints; canes shrivel and leaves yellow
Control: Dab colonies with isopropyl alcohol; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap spray every 7–10 days
Spider mites
Signs: Pale flecking and silvery stippling on leaf undersides; fine webbing in dry conditions
Control: Increase ambient humidity; wash leaves with lukewarm water; apply neem oil or a miticide spray
Keep unscented dendrobium pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Unscented Dendrobium pests — FAQ
What is eating my unscented dendrobium?
Dendrobium anosmum's long, arching canes are susceptible to scale insects and mealybugs at leaf axils and pseudobulb joints. Spider mites can colonise the underside of leaves in dry, heated rooms during winter rest. Consistent humidity around 50–60% and good air circulation reduce all three threats significantly.
How do I get rid of scale insects on unscented dendrobium?
Brown or tan shell-like bumps on canes and pseudobulbs; sticky deposits and sooty mould Wipe canes with a cloth soaked in methylated spirits; repeat monthly and treat with neem oil spray
How do I get rid of mealybugs on unscented dendrobium?
Cottony white clusters in leaf axils and at cane joints; canes shrivel and leaves yellow Dab colonies with isopropyl alcohol; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap spray every 7–10 days
How do I get rid of spider mites on unscented dendrobium?
Pale flecking and silvery stippling on leaf undersides; fine webbing in dry conditions Increase ambient humidity; wash leaves with lukewarm water; apply neem oil or a miticide spray