Marks on cymbidiums- should I be worried? *pictures*

[Jol]

Hi All,

I'm a bit of a newbie when it comes to orchid care. I am the proud owner of a few cymbidiums and I think I am officially addicted, I want more and more! Two of the plants are very precious to me, as they were bought for me by my mother and sister-in-law when our daughter was born.

My only concern at the moment is that there are some strange markings on my plants. I have attached some pictures for advice...if anyone could give me some advice on what they think the markings are and a course of appropriate action if necessary, I would be most grateful. I am wondering if some of the black marks are sunburn and the grey spots are scale? I am unsure about the faded yellow spots.

Some background: The plants are all housed outdoors in Sydney Australia, they receive plenty of air, morning sun and are watered as needed. All of them have flower spikes starting so I am very excited!

[WhiteRabbit]

The first pic - those markings may be from sucking insects. The second pic looks like there may be scale. The other light markings - did you have some hail, maybe ? (My Cyms got spots like that after getting hailed upon.)

I'm not the most knowledgeable in this area, so hopefully other members will be able to help more.

[Cym Ladye]

Definitely scale damage showing in most of the photos. Check the back of the leaves to be sure live scale is not still there. If it is, remove with a paper towel for now. If the infestation is heavy and the scale is still alive, you may have to resort to a spray.

The photo showing small white spots on several leaves may be a virus if no sign of scale is on the undersides of the leaves. If no scale, isolate the plant and keep an eye on it.

The brown marking on the side of one leaf looks more like physical damage or sunburn with a possible secondary fungal attack. If it is only on the one leaf, I would remove the leaf with a sterile razor blade it it offends you.

[Jol]

Thanks for your replies. I've definitely found scale which I've wiped off with some alcohol wipes. And yes ..we did have severe hail and this plant would have been in the path of the hail. I am still worried about a virus so ill be keeping an eye on it..will see how it flowers this year.