What's eating my zygopetalum 'blue eyes'?

Zygopetalum 'Blue Eyes', a fragrant hybrid orchid with bold patterned flowers, is most often attacked by spider mites, especially under warm dry conditions. Mealybugs can establish in pseudobulb sheaths, and aphids regularly target developing spikes. Good humidity, cool nights, and monthly inspection catch most problems before they escalate.

Silvery or bronze speckled patches on leaves; webbing on the underside and between leaves in dry air Increase humidity, wipe down leaves, and spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap every 5–7 days for 3 treatments

Cottony white clumps in pseudobulb sheaths and at the base of new growths; honeydew and sooty mould Peel sheaths carefully, apply isopropyl alcohol to colonies, then follow up with weekly neem oil spray

Distorted or sticky flower spikes and buds; honeydew residue; clusters of small insects at spike tips Wash off with water, then spray insecticidal soap or a pyrethrin product; repeat after one week