What does an orchid leaf infested with a mite look like? - briefly
Infested leaves display minute, pale‑yellow or brown stippling, often accompanied by fine silken webbing that covers the surface and edges. The affected tissue may become distorted, curling, or develop necrotic spots where the mites feed.
What does an orchid leaf infested with a mite look like? - in detail
Mite‑infested orchid foliage displays several distinctive visual cues. The surface often becomes speckled with tiny, pale‑to‑yellow spots where mites have fed, creating a stippled pattern that may coalesce into larger discolored patches. Fine, silvery‑gray webbing can be observed along the leaf margins and on the underside, especially where colonies are dense. Leaves may exhibit a bronzed or coppery hue as chlorophyll breaks down, and the tissue can turn brittle, leading to marginal curling or cupping. In severe cases, necrotic streaks appear, progressing from the tip toward the base, and the leaf may develop irregular holes where mites have tunneled.
Key identification points:
- Minute, moving specks (0.1–0.3 mm) visible under magnification or on close visual inspection.
- Fine webbing, often more pronounced on the abaxial side.
- Discoloration ranging from light yellow to bronze, forming irregular patches.
- Curling, cupping, or distortion of leaf margins.
- Necrotic streaks or small perforations indicating advanced feeding damage.
Early detection relies on regular examination of the leaf underside with a hand lens or low‑magnification microscope. Observing the leaf edge for webbing and checking for stippling under natural light helps differentiate mite damage from fungal or bacterial symptoms. Rapid identification enables timely intervention before the infestation spreads to other foliage.