Cymbidium PestsCymbidium's enemy number one is the red spider mite. Symptoms are
tiny white dots on the undersides of the leaves, giving an overall silvery
appearance. Control using a miticide, following the
recommended dosage. Enemy number two is scale. These resemble
tiny brown umbrella-like structures on the upper surface of the leaves.
Use a garden insecticide that lists scale; repeat application three times a
day at ten day intervals. The third most frequently encountered pests are
aphids. They are usually noticed on the buds and flowers and can
sometimes be discouraged by wiping the colonies off by hand, or by
misting them off with water. Use mild rose or
flower sprays, or the garden aerosols. Apply lightly
but thoroughly; excessive applications to the buds
can result in burning. Finally, snails and slugs are
as pervasive as garden pests can be. Fortunately,
they are easily controlled through a conscientious
baiting program. Not all snail baits control slugs
and sow bugs however, so read the label carefully.