Something is eating a leaf?

[yselkla09]

Hi,

I have just noticed that something is, I think, eating a leaf on one of my orchids. There is a patch about an inch long and half inch wide and all that is left on the patch is something resembling a 'honeycomb' effect. I have noticed that on that leaf where the patch is there is a very small hard dark 'nodule', and there are some of these on other leaves on the same plant, but this is the only leaf that has been eaten so far. This has happened in a week.

I can't see anything that looks like a bug on there, could anyone tell me what it could be. I have looked on various websites and the descriptions of the damage the bugs such as aphids etc do are nothing like the type I have on this leaf.

It is a Phalaenopsis type.

Thanks.

[mayres]

By hard dark nodule do you mean something resembling "scale"? Note link http://coopext.colostate.edu/4dmg/Pests/scale.htm

[yselkla09]

Here are a couple of pictures. I have moved it away from my other plants.

[yselkla09]

Here is the other one

[NancyG]

The large one looks like it could be a snail. That happened to one of my phals. I sprayed the leaves with a weak soapy water solution. I haven't had them back.

I'm not sure what the little bumps are.

NancyG

[Hummer344]

The large brown area on the leaf certainly looks like snail damage. Are there any slime trails in the vacinity? That would be a clue. If its snail or slugs you can sprinkle Sluggo around the base of the plant (if its outside) and it will kill the snails. Sluggo is a non-poisonous treatment and is safe around children and, I think, pets. You can get it at most big box stores or your local nursery
David

[yselkla09]

Ok, Thanks.

It isn't a snail - at least I hope not!!!! The plant is on my kitchen window ledge in my house!!!! I haven't got a clue what the lumps are or what has eaten it.

Do you think it's safe to say it isn't scale? Also shall I spray it with something like a general insecticide? I'm a bit worried about my other ones.

[brookn]

That looks like what was on my phal. No one knew what it was for sure, but we all agreed it was bugs. I took a razor hobby knife and shaved them off. Left some small marks on the leaves, but spraying was not helping. Once I removed all of them, I hosed the plants in neem. Plants are happy fine and still blooming. I bought mine with the spots on them, and I only had 3 of them, but that absolutely looks like them. Your plant will thank you for getting rid of them.

[kmarch]

I actually thought the larger patch looked like it could be sun burn....not sure what the bumps are at all.

[yselkla09]

Thanks everyone. I will try shaving them off and I have bought a bug spray as well. It definately isn't sun burn - the window ledge never gets any sun - it is north facing, just good light. They have all been in the same place since I bought them 12 mths ago.

I am very disappointed that it is on all the leaves and spolit the whole look of the plant. Never mind.

Thanks.

[brookn]

Kevin was only talking about the bumps. The larger spot looks like damage to me too. Maybe not sunburn per se, but maybe water on the leaf magnified by the light caused the damage, or then again whatever the spots were did it. Mine never got the chance to eat any part of the plant.

Yselk once I carefully shaved them off the place on the leaf, it just took on a lighter green color so far, barely noticable, just shave carefully and make sure you get it all. Then spray.

[kmarch]

Originally Posted by brookn

Kevin was only talking about the bumps.

No, Im not sure what the bumps are I was referring to the large brown patch when I suggested sunburn. It's so hard to tell from just a pic though. i could be wrong.

[brookn]

Kevn, I was in a hurry today it was supposed to read...Kevin I was only talking about the bumps. sorry that probably clears it up, I knew you were talking about the brown patch, I just let my hands get ahead of my brain.

[yselkla09]

Thanks everyone.