Brassavola Nodosa - is this Insect damage, eggs?

[Jim S]

Doing a check of my orchids I found three issues on a two year old Brassovola Nodosa, shown in the pcs below.

Pic 1 shows what I think is just sunburn. Pic 2 shows what I think is just an old leaf dying -the plant has never dropped a leaf before.

Pic 3 shown damage and four little white areas which might be an insect egg laying area? The white areas are not raised or round, and appear to be hollow spots under the surface of the leaf.

I need to address this ASAP, and would appreciate help.

[estación seca]

The first two don't worry me.

I just can't see the third photo well enough. Do you mean the brown and white patches near the leaf base, next to the dried leaf sheath? They're too out of focus to see. Or do you mean the scattered white deposits on the leaf?

[Jim S]

The brown and white patches at the base of the leaf is what I'm concerned about. I couldn't get the pic in better focus. I brushed the area with 70% alcohol. The scattered white deposits are from watering.

[Jim S]

Attached is a better pic. White "dots" can be seen within the red circle area, not sure if these are insect related or if they a just nodes in the cell structure. They're too small to see with the naked eye.

[estación seca]

That's normal.

[Jim S]

Thank you, I really appreciate your help. Many years ago I grew orchids but was not diligent with mold and insects, and eventually lost them. This time around I'm extremely cautious.

btw, I applied 70% alcohol to the area once a day for two days. If this was insect related, what would be the course of treatment?

[estación seca]

For insects I use 70% alcohol or a solution of 1 tsp/5ml of liquid dish soap in a quart/liter of water. It doesn't kill all of them so you need to retreat every 4-7 days for several cycles. I don't use any pesticides in my home.

Keeping a close eye on your plants is the most important thing. If you can catch them before they spread too far it's a much easier job.

Controlling ants is the second most important. Ants spread aphids, scale insects and mealy bugs from plant to plant. The bugs excrete a sweet liquid the ants eat. The ants farm the bugs.

You haven't mentioned spider mites. Read about them here on OB. They are critters of warm, low humidity climates, common in winter indoors and dry periods of summer. They can be prevented by getting your entire collection completely wet once every week or two.