Looks like scale, but...

[Robert T]

I have one orchid that has what looks like scale on the leaves. It is actually getting ready to bloom. How does one safely get rid of it?

[Tobi]

You can remove scale with a swab dipped in 70 percent denatured alcohol and if the
infestations are severe, control with an insecticidal soap. You can also dip a toothbrush
into a malathion solution and gently scrub off the infected areas.

[Cynthia, Prescott, AZ]

You should be able to use Bayer Advanced Rose & Flower on the plant without any concern about flowering, if you just keep the spray off the flowers. Since this product is systemic, it should make the entire plant poisonous to the scale. I used it (actually the B. A. 3 in 1 that has the imidacloprid of the Rose & Flower) last fall 2 times, and recently had a couple of flowers bloom out lopsided, but this is 2 out of probably a hundred flowers or more, and probably was unrelated to the use of this product. If it was because of B. A. Rose & Flower's imidacloprid, it is not going to have this kind of effect on an already mostly formed set of flowers.

Using alcohol and swabs is alright for a temporary fix, but not likely to end the problem permanently. Systemics, like this B. A. product ,are by far the most certain way of eliminating the infestation. I personally don't like the use of tooth brushes on plants unless you can sterilize them, which may not be easy to do given the potential for particles lodged in the bristles. Isolation is probably important for this plant until you are sure it is cured of scale. If it has been near other plants, you may want to consider treating all with the Rose & Flower, and may need a concentrate version, as the ready mix will not likely go very far. Imidacloprid is the ingredient you are looking for, and the 'B. A. 3 in 1' may be an easier product to find (Walmart). Avoid the 'B. A. All in One' as it contains fertilizer, at no doubt too high a concentration.

[Robert T]

I've attached a photo of the plant. My daughter-in-law feels the plant has been burned by too much sun. She knows orchids better than I do. She's from Hawaii.

What do you think?

[joan gero]

Welcome to the forum!
I'm certainly one of the least experienced folks you could hear back from, but this looks like sun burn to me (although not as serious as many surviving plants in my collection!!). Also, the kind of orchid you have there, a phalenopsis, prefers lower light than many so logically it would become burnt most easily. I also don't see any sign of scale, and in my collection the phals are almost the only ones never to get scale... so I think you're safe (just move the plant to a less sunny spot)!! But wasn't Cynthia's lesson on scale useful!!! Glad you asked the question so that we all got so much information about treating scale!

[digitalgate]

yahg, your plant going to get pus and turn black.


i hope it does not spread. otherwise you have to cut the leave.

[joan gero]

Oh you naughty digitalgate... stop scaring poor newbies! They will send you VERY BAD vibes and you'll die.

[digitalgate]

ok ok.
it just sunburn nothing serious. U dont have to cut the leaf

[fred]

please keep to the line of topic in this section

Orchid Pests and Diseases

thank you

[jbigio]

If its scale you can remove it with the q-tip as mentioned if not I would be more inclined to think to much light. If it is spreading then you will have to take more than a wait and see approach. If the area has a reddish ting your plant may just be showing that it has reached its limits for light not uncommon for Phal.
Joe

[Robert T]

Thanks everyone for nice suggestions and quick responses. I will move the plant to a "safer" spot.

Robert