Skip to content
Pocket Botanist
Get the app

Tiger orchid · Grammatophyllum speciosum

Why does my Tiger orchid have scale insects?

Scale insects are common pests that hide on the undersides of leaves or along the stems of your Tiger orchid. They look like small brown bumps and suck the sap from your plant. Check your plant closely for these tiny invaders.

pests on a plant
Photo: Jules Verne Times Two, CC BY-SA 4.0

Check these first

  1. Inspect the undersides of all leaves for small bumps.
  2. Check the stems and nodes for sticky residue.
  3. Look for tiny insects moving on the potting medium.

Likely causes

  1. Scale infestation

    Most likely

    How to tell: You will see small, hard, brown, or tan bumps that look like tiny shields on the leaves or stems. If you scrape them with a fingernail, they come off easily.

    What to do: Dab each insect with a cotton swab soaked in rubbing alcohol. Repeat this process every 5 to 7 days until no new insects appear. You can also spray the plant with neem oil diluted according to the bottle instructions.

  2. Poor air circulation

    Possible

    How to tell: The plant is in a stagnant corner where air does not move, which encourages pests to settle in. You might notice dust buildup on the leaves.

    What to do: Move your orchid to a spot with better airflow. Use a small fan on a low setting nearby to keep the air moving gently around the leaves.

When to worry

If you see a heavy infestation covering the entire plant, it is serious and requires immediate action. A few isolated bumps are easy to manage if caught early.

Stopping it coming back

Wipe your orchid leaves down with a damp cloth every few weeks to keep them clean and inspect them for early signs of pests. Keep your plant in a well ventilated area.

Not sure which one it is? Photograph your tiger orchid.

This page lists the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at your actual leaf and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play

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

Questions people ask

Can I use soap to kill scale?
Yes, a mild insecticidal soap works well. Just make sure to rinse the leaves thoroughly after application.
Will scale kill my Tiger orchid?
If left untreated for a long time, the insects will drain the plant of energy and cause it to decline. Treating them early keeps your orchid healthy.

More problems with Tiger orchid

Back to the Tiger orchid guide

This article was generated with AI from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.