Will these bugs spread to my other plants?

Yes, mealybugs can easily move to nearby plants. Isolate your orchid immediately if you spot any bugs.

Should I use a heavy pesticide?

Usually, rubbing alcohol is enough for moth orchids. Avoid harsh sprays as they can damage the delicate leaves.

Moth Orchid: pests, causes and fixes

Check these first

Look closely at the base of the leaves where they meet the stem.
Check the undersides of the leaves for any fuzzy white spots.
Feel the leaves to see if they have a sticky residue.

Likely causes

Mealybug Infestation
Most likely
How to tell: You see white, fuzzy patches in the leaf axils or under the leaves. The leaves may also feel sticky to the touch.
What to do: Dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and dab it directly onto the bugs to kill them on contact. Repeat this every few days until you no longer see any pests.
Scale Insects
Possible
How to tell: Small, hard brown bumps appear on the leaves or stems that can be scraped off with a fingernail. These are armored insects that feed on the plant sap.
What to do: Scrape the bumps off carefully with a dull knife or your fingernail. Wipe the leaves down with a soft cloth dipped in mild soapy water to remove any remaining larvae.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your moth orchid

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

If the infestation is widespread and covering the entire plant, it can weaken the orchid significantly. Catching them early is key to a quick recovery.

Stopping it coming back

Inspect your orchid every time you water it to catch new pests before they spread. Keep new plants isolated for a few weeks before placing them near your other orchids.

Moth Orchid: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your moth orchid 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

Will these bugs spread to my other plants?: Yes, mealybugs can easily move to nearby plants. Isolate your orchid immediately if you spot any bugs.
Should I use a heavy pesticide?: Usually, rubbing alcohol is enough for moth orchids. Avoid harsh sprays as they can damage the delicate leaves.

What are these white bugs on my moth orchid?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your moth orchid?

Likely causes

Mealybug Infestation

Scale Insects

Find out what's wrong with your moth orchid

When to worry

Stopping it coming back

Moth Orchid: pests? Check yours with a photo

Questions people ask

Guides to these causes

More problems with Moth Orchid