Slc. Jewel box scale insect infestation and discolored leaves

[LiveLaughGrowOrchids]

Ok, we have a product in South Africa that contains imidacloprid sold as complete. I'm going to spray and water with the mixture are then I'll repeat at 2 weeks and see how it goes. I'm also going to treat all the plants in the vicinity as a precaution. It's taken me a while to find the stuff. I did remove all visible insects, and it doesn't seem to be worse now😳 but I've also noticed that in addition to the scale there is also mealie bug at the base of one bulb sort of between the dry scales around the bulb. Will keep you posted!

[silken]

Immature scale do look like fuzzy mealy bugs. So that may be what you have. Mealie bugs are big enough to see as individual bugs if you look closely. I usually find immature white cottony scale nestled in low areas and enclosed areas and the mature round discs creep up onto the leaves quite often but are also found on the pseudo bulbs and elsewhere.

[LiveLaughGrowOrchids]

Thanks! I think it was only scales after all. How often do I need to treat the plants? And what strength are you supposed to mix the stuff? The instructions don't mention what strength to use for orchids. Only roses and ornamental plants. Would orchids fall under ornamentals?

[bil]

I use Imacloporid at 1cc per litre. It's a very forgiving pesticide, unlike Dursban = CHAS48 which is nasty stuff, but damned effective. (That doses at 2ccs per litre of water.)

[LiveLaughGrowOrchids]

Thanks for the advice! I've tried isolating the infected plants but have noticed scales on some of my Phals now, so i now need to treat those as well

[Leisurely]

You might want to consider an alternative which is an ultra fine oil spray. I have used it for years for a variety of insects with satisfactory results. It is very inexpensive, it works and it is very safe. It also makes the leaves look nice and clean. Do not use when temps are above 85°F. The treatment is three sprays at two week intervals. I stopped using Imacloporid a few years ago because some dendrobiums are sensitive to it and I destroyed some very nice plants before I finally determined the problem.

Another very effective insect control is Orthene. It was initially developed to kill ants but it works for a wide range of insects and it is also inexpensive.

[bil]

Originally Posted by Leisurely

I stopped using Imacloporid a few years ago because some dendrobiums are sensitive to it and I destroyed some very nice plants before I finally determined the problem.

Hmmm. Thanks for the warning. I have used Imacloporid on my dens, both nobile and hardcane, without problem, tho I appreciate it is a huge group and there may be plants in there that are sensitive to it.