keiki help - Orchid Board

CodiMN · #1 04-18-2007, 04:47 AM

I found some small spots on my keiki leaf! I'm kind of concerned, also on the root?

More photos to come.
--Carolyn

CodiMN · #2 04-18-2007, 04:56 AM

here's another photo. I hope I don't loose this keiki...any help would be awesome!

--Carolyn

justatypn · #3 04-18-2007, 08:30 AM

Carolyn, looks like a scale insect which has attacked the orchid, called boisduval scale. It appears to be a bit more severe than I have seen in the past on one of my orchids. I would suggest insectibidal soap, Orthene, Diazinon or malathion. Spraying is most effectve against the tiny young "crawlers". Spray the plant weekly for several weeks to kill crawlers as they hatch. Either of the above work well...I also like to wipe down the infected area with alcohol after treatment.

CodiMN · #4 04-18-2007, 02:47 PM

Should I keep this orchid separated from my other 'chids? Or spray them all? --Carolyn

CodiMN · #5 04-18-2007, 02:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by justatypn

Carolyn, looks like a scale insect which has attacked the orchid, called boisduval scale. It appears to be a bit more severe than I have seen in the past on one of my orchids. I would suggest insectibidal soap, Orthene, Diazinon or malathion. Spraying is most effectve against the tiny young "crawlers". Spray the plant weekly for several weeks to kill crawlers as they hatch. Either of the above work well...I also like to wipe down the infected area with alcohol after treatment.

Cheryl, thank you so much! Would you also keep this 'chid separated from the others?

--Carolyn

Ross · #6 04-18-2007, 07:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by justatypn

Carolyn, looks like a scale insect which has attacked the orchid, called boisduval scale. It appears to be a bit more severe than I have seen in the past on one of my orchids. I would suggest insectibidal soap, Orthene, Diazinon or malathion. Spraying is most effectve against the tiny young "crawlers". Spray the plant weekly for several weeks to kill crawlers as they hatch. Either of the above work well...I also like to wipe down the infected area with alcohol after treatment.

Sorry to disagree but it does not look like scale to me. Thes spots are sunken, not raised. I think this is the common malady of most Phals that have water on the leaves (from spraying) when the sun hits them - sunburn! Just my two cents. I have this on lots of mine and I never give it a thought. But that's just me. Never hurts to hit it with Safer Soap, but I suspect you are wasting your time. (Hope I'm correct on this...)

gerneveyn · #7 04-18-2007, 08:18 PM

I've found spots like that on my phal. I tried scraping them off to see if they were scale, but they can't be removed like scale. I think it's like Ross said the plant incurred some damage to the leaf and the damaged area dried up like the tip of a cut spike. Plant scar tissue

smartie2000 · #8 04-18-2007, 08:20 PM

Usually you will find the scales. If they're not around they're probably aren't there. It looks like some sort of mechanical damage, that may not necessarily be caused by an pest

cb977 · #9 04-18-2007, 10:57 PM

Look on the underside of the leaf where the spots are. Do you see any insects there? Usually, if you see yellowing or spotting on the top of a leaf, it's a sign that there's a pest on the underside of it.

A treatment with Safer's Soap wouldn't hurt, but if you do see scale, it needs to be treated making sure you remove the scale altogether and retreat in a few days to kill off the gifts they leave behind

I use original Listerine as a cleanser/disinfectant/anti-everything. Just don't use the minty stuff

CodiMN · #10 04-19-2007, 03:11 AM

Yeah, I don't see any bugs on the keiki or the main plant. I did start misting the keiki itself last week...so maybe the "sunburn" and scar is from that? *crossing my fingers!*

I did give it a healthy soak and fertilizer today...the spots tho were my biggest concern, I didn't see any bugs, but wanted more opinions--I'm sooooooooo thankful for this orchid board!!!! Man, it's good to know I'm not the only one!

--Carolyn