Is this scales and how to treat it?

[Blue.fusion]

Exactly! I told him the plant didn't look like it was in very good condition and that the roots were dried out and some were hollow and he just brushed me off and said it was fine, basically like I was a dunce for even saying that.

I've had it for just under a week, the leaves worried me as well they look sad, limp and yellow. As for the buds would you have an explanation as to why they are withering like that? I thought it was because of the mealy bugs.

I may have to go to the store and show him the pictures and check out if they have any other plants, if not I will just tell the person who gifted it to me to get it refunded.

I hope not but I'll keep my eyes opened for any new bugs within the coming weeks.

If i slightly squeeze one of the buds liquid comes rushing out is that normal?

[silken]

That florist shouldn't be telling you to use ice cubes on a tropical plant. They grow in tropical places and only have nice warm rain falling on them in nature. Ice will shock and damage any roots it comes in contact with.

When you water, run water thru the pot and wet it well. Allow it to drain very well before putting back into the decorative pot. Then don't water again until it is nearly dry right thru to the bottom. Placing a thin bamboo kebab skewer down into the pot and leaving it there, then checking to see if its wet or dry will help determine when its time to water. If it only got 3 ice cubes, the plant could be dehydrated, causing limp and dying leaves.

Liquid should not be oozing from a bud. I would remove it and if you have the stomach for it, open it and see how the centre looks. It could be a haven for mealies.

[Blue.fusion]

To be honest, I don't think he knew much of what he was talking about, he didn't seem to really know anything about the plant as he told me to look up care instructions!

The roots are bone dry, I've watered it a few times already just within the week and they're always super dry, it's quite worrisome.

my poor plant I can't even enjoy the blooms and buds if the mealies have infested them

[MattWoelfsen]

Too bad you have had such a bad experience with this Phalaenopsis and the florist. In this day and age, florists and other retailers should be bending over and leaping tall buildings to make their customers happy. The florist we use at church, and consequently anytime I need a floral display I contact them, and others do the same, is amazingly helpful. I got one single wilted rose in a bouquet and I casually mentioned it to him when I was perusing his store, and the next day I had a brand new bouquet! A bit excessive I thought but the accompanying note said it all: "If you are not completely happy we are not happy. We cherish your business." Regarding those mealy bugs on your plant. Please be sure to isolate it from other plants. I had an encounter with this bug several years ago. I used a soapy, environmental spray on the leaves and watered the pot with a weakened solution. I repeated the process a couple of days later. By the third time, the bugs were gone. Another friend suggested I use malathion but I don't like such a harsh chemical.