Help! Can I save these abused phalaenopsis?

[Missusk]

Originally Posted by estación seca

The problem is they may lay eggs away from the plant. Even if you eliminate them from the plant they might crawl back. I use the 8-24 hour soak routinely, after brushing off whatever I see with 70% alcohol. It is usually at least a few weeks before I see them (if they even come back.)

To soak plants in floating medium, like bark, I quickly invert the plant and pot into a filled pitcher or bucket. I put something heavy on top to hold it under the water. You only need a small amount of soap; more is not better. 1 tsp/5ml of dish detergent in a gallon or more is enough.

Thanks! I will give the soaking a try then and see what happens! It's ok to soak phals for 8 hours plus?

[estación seca]

My experience has been 8 hours plus is fine if done during warm weather.

I would not do it with a plant covered with pests. The holes the pests make to feed will allow some water to enter. If the plant is covered with pests it will absorb so much soapy water it will die. Before I realized this I killed some cacti I found completely covered with mealy bugs when I soaked them. However, once cacti get to this stage of infestation, they almost always die anyway.