Pest identification
What's eating my zygopetalum 'artur elle'?
Spider mites
Signs: Bronze-silver stippling on leaves, fine webbing on undersides, leaves losing color and vitality
Control: Increase humidity, apply neem oil or insecticidal soap spray weekly; wash down foliage regularly
Mealybugs
Signs: White fluffy masses in pseudobulb crevices and at leaf bases; honeydew and sooty mold
Control: Treat with isopropyl alcohol swab followed by neem oil spray; isolate infected plants
Scale insects
Signs: Hard bumps on pseudobulbs and stems; yellowing leaves and reduced flowering over time
Control: Scrub off with a soft toothbrush and soapy water; apply horticultural oil and repeat fortnightly
Keep zygopetalum 'artur elle' pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Zygopetalum 'Artur Elle' pests — FAQ
What is eating my zygopetalum 'artur elle'?
Zygopetalum 'Artur Elle', a popular fragrant hybrid orchid kept indoors, is most frequently attacked by spider mites, which love the warm, dry air typical of indoor settings. Mealybugs and scale are secondary threats on the pseudobulbs and stems. Regular inspection, adequate humidity, and prompt treatment keep this vigorous hybrid in good health.
How do I get rid of spider mites on zygopetalum 'artur elle'?
Bronze-silver stippling on leaves, fine webbing on undersides, leaves losing color and vitality Increase humidity, apply neem oil or insecticidal soap spray weekly; wash down foliage regularly
How do I get rid of mealybugs on zygopetalum 'artur elle'?
White fluffy masses in pseudobulb crevices and at leaf bases; honeydew and sooty mold Treat with isopropyl alcohol swab followed by neem oil spray; isolate infected plants
How do I get rid of scale insects on zygopetalum 'artur elle'?
Hard bumps on pseudobulbs and stems; yellowing leaves and reduced flowering over time Scrub off with a soft toothbrush and soapy water; apply horticultural oil and repeat fortnightly