What's eating my zygopetalum intermedium?

Zygopetalum intermedium, cultivated as a houseplant or cool-greenhouse orchid, is most susceptible to spider mites in warm, dry indoor conditions. Mealybugs hide between pseudobulbs, while scale can become established on older growth. Fungus gnats may appear if the bark mix is kept too wet. Good ventilation and moderate humidity are key defenses.

Fine webbing and pale stippling on leaf surfaces; foliage becomes papery in severe cases Mist foliage, raise humidity, spray neem oil or insecticidal soap; repeat every 5–7 days

Fluffy white wax deposits at pseudobulb bases; honeydew leads to sooty mold on leaves Dab colonies with alcohol on a cotton swab; apply neem oil to whole plant weekly

Larvae chew fine roots in wet potting mix; adults swarm around the base of the plant Allow bark mix to dry between waterings; use sticky yellow traps; apply Bti drench to the medium