New leaves - white fuzz

[ldk]

Most of my orchids are putting out new leaves and each new leaf seems to have a small amount of white, fuzzy-looking 'stuff' on it way down inside the leaves and around the base, but I cannot see any type of bugs that may have created the fuzzies. My orchids live on my screened porch and do not receive direct sun or rain water.

I am hoping someone with more experience than I might be able to give me an idea what is causing this and if it's a problem or not.

Thanks,

Laura

[E-Jag]

Hi, Laura
Probably mealybug. They have grayish white oblobg bodies about 3/16 in. long. Masses of cottony white eggs are usually found on the underside of leaves and in crevices between leaves and stems. If there aren't too many, use a couple of cotton swabs soaked in alcohol or a pesticide (Bayers comes to mind). They can be a real problem, as most folks here know. Get rid of them in a hurry and keep an eye out. May need to respray a few times to get all of the eggs. I just had a small infestation myself. we all do. Good luck.

[ldk]

While waiting for some input, I did spray with the magic water, dishsoap, cinnamon and actually did see some critters and sprayed them directly. They move fast! I suppose they might infest my african violets too?

Thanks!

[E-Jag]

Mealybugs don't move fast, so we may be speaking at cross purposes here. However, if you have white cottony masses on your plant(s), soak a paper towel in alcohol and wipe them all off. Mealybugs spread rapidly, so keep a close eye on ALL of your plants - they get into everything. Keep us posted, you'll get more experienced opinions than mine.

[willowbanks]

ldk, any chance of a photo of the problem??????