Dendrobium Leaf Loss and White Patches: Sunburn and Scale Treatment

Your 3-week-old flowering Dendrobium (west window, water every 8 days) lost a base leaf (shriveled, pinkish), second base leaf turning pink, leaf undersides pinkish, white patches on dying leaf. New flower opened. You think it's dying.

Two Problems

1. Sunburn: West window = intense afternoon heat. Move to bright indirect light. Add air movement.
2. Insects: White patches = mealybugs or boisduval scale. Both suck leaf sap.

Treatment

• Water when mix barely moist (3–7 days warm, 7–10 cool).
• Temp 60–85°F, humidity >50%.
• Get systemic orchid-safe insecticide from garden center. Apply per label, 3x weekly intervals. Repeat spring and fall.

Don't Panic Over New Flower

Plants often bloom while stressed. Fix conditions now for long-term health.