Do I need to throw the plant away?

No, scale is treatable. Just be consistent with your cleaning routine.

Why are my leaves sticky?

Sticky residue is often a sign of honeydew left behind by pests like scale or mealybugs.

Are there bugs on my Crimson Cattleya? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Inspect the undersides of the leaves for bumps.
Check the base of the stems for white cottony fluff.
Touch the leaves to see if they feel sticky.

Likely causes

Scale Insects
Most likely
How to tell: You see small, hard, brown bumps that can be scraped off with a fingernail. The leaves might also feel sticky.
What to do: Dab the insects with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Repeat this weekly until you no longer see any bumps.
Mealybugs
Possible
How to tell: White, cottony patches appear in the crevices of the leaves or near the base of the plant.
What to do: Wipe the affected areas with a cloth soaked in insecticidal soap or rubbing alcohol. Keep the plant isolated from others until the infestation is gone.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your crimson cattleya

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

When to worry

A few bugs can be managed, but a heavy infestation that covers the entire plant is serious. Isolate the plant immediately to protect your other orchids.

Stopping it coming back

Check your plant regularly when watering and keep the foliage clean. Good airflow around the plant also helps deter pests.

Crimson Cattleya: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your crimson cattleya and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Do I need to throw the plant away?: No, scale is treatable. Just be consistent with your cleaning routine.
Why are my leaves sticky?: Sticky residue is often a sign of honeydew left behind by pests like scale or mealybugs.

Are there bugs on my Crimson Cattleya?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your crimson cattleya?

Likely causes

Scale Insects

Mealybugs

Find out what's wrong with your crimson cattleya

When to worry

Stopping it coming back

Crimson Cattleya: pests? Check yours with a photo

Questions people ask

Guides to these causes

More problems with Crimson Cattleya