black soot mold, insects

[brit6v]

I just noticed this morn. that 4 of my orchids had a very small infestation of scale....maybe 2 or 3 scale....no more than 6 or so on all 4 plants combined. I also noticed that these 4 plants had black sooty mold (once again, not a large amt., but nevertheless some) The plants were all in approx. the same area....3 on mounts, 1 in a basket, near the end of one of my benches. If any area of the greenhouse gets less humidity and airflow than the others, it would be this area, although I think the entire greenhouse in general is sufficient in both from what I have read in past posts (2 large fans--1 under each bench, approx. 55-75% humidity in the summer, and much less in the winter, so I have to work harder then to control it). Also, the temp. is hot in the summer (approx. 90-95 degrees). I have sometimes read conflicting answers about various problems on the internet, so I would rather have your opinions and advice. Is there a connection between the mold and scale (insects, in general), humidity and/or airflow or was it just coincidental that I found both problems on all 4 plants? Once again, I would appreciate your help.
Vicki

[digitalgate]

mold problem should be recticified by increase air movement and "sunning" of plant. Check for present of aphids. Decrease watering to discourage the growth of mold.

[brit6v]

Thank you!

Originally Posted by digitalgate

mold problem should be recticified by increase air movement and "sunning" of plant. Check for present of aphids. Decrease watering to discourage the growth of mold.

[sunshine]

Originally Posted by brit6v

I just noticed this morn. that 4 of my orchids had a very small infestation of scale....maybe 2 or 3 scale....no more than 6 or so on all 4 plants combined. I also noticed that these 4 plants had black sooty mold (once again, not a large amt., but nevertheless some) The plants were all in approx. the same area....3 on mounts, 1 in a basket, near the end of one of my benches. If any area of the greenhouse gets less humidity and airflow than the others, it would be this area, although I think the entire greenhouse in general is sufficient in both from what I have read in past posts (2 large fans--1 under each bench, approx. 55-75% humidity in the summer, and much less in the winter, so I have to work harder then to control it). Also, the temp. is hot in the summer (approx. 90-95 degrees). I have sometimes read conflicting answers about various problems on the internet, so I would rather have your opinions and advice. Is there a connection between the mold and scale (insects, in general), humidity and/or airflow or was it just coincidental that I found both problems on all 4 plants? Once again, I would appreciate your help.
Vicki

I have had problems with scale, mealybugs and spider mites this summer. Have been treating them with Garden Safe Fungicide. It contains Neem Oil.It worked great for scale and mealy bugs. Had to do 2 applications for the spider mites. Increasing air flow should take care of the mold. When it's that hot your orchids will drink a lot more. There are several geeks on here from your area and have been dealing with a lot of the same stuff.

If you've only found a few scales on chids treat it now before it becomes an infestation All it takes is one plant to get scale, mealies etc and they all get it. Kinda like kids sharing a cold.

[brit6v]

Thank you sunshine!

[Phalcycle]

For the scale problem, I used a little neem oil, and it did the magic.
I left phals outside this summer, and a lot of them are getting scale, so I moved them back in after I treated.
I also get scale on other things like citris and hibiscus, and neem oils works there too

[FLBob]

I normally associate the sooty mold with sap sucking insects. The sooty mold is just the symptom, and can easily be cleaned with a light detergent solution.

I control scale and other sap suckers with my watering technique. Spraying my plants with a hard stream of water. The hard stream knocks the suckers off.

When I notice scale or aphids, or any other sap suckers established on a plant I will use a rotation of orthene, neem, soap solution, on a 4 day interval for about a month to 6 weeks to be sure to eliminate the pests and their prodigy.

[Ray]

I agree with Bob - the black, sooty mold is growing on insect exudates, and as it often manifests itself quickly, can be a warning of what will become a bad infestation if you don't take care of it soon.