Could this have been done by fruit flies?

[Jim S]

This is a rescued plant, an Oncidium I believe. It's been treated with neem oil and Seven twice (about two months ago and then last week), but these "spots" persist. I can't find any trace of pests on leaves or soil. On the pics you'll see white flecks which I think is just the wax of the leaf. I did have a fruit fly outbreak not related to orchids - could these spots be associated with that? Some of the fruit flies are still around.

[Roberta]

Fruit flies won't damage orchids. But once leaf damage occurs, it doesn't go away. Your goal is to keep it from spreading, and I think that your treatment likely did a good job of eliminating whatever was causing it. Oncidiums tend to get ugly leaves just because their thin leaves are easily damaged.

You mention "soil" ... epiphytic orchids (like Oncidiums) don't grow in soil - they need an open mix that allows lots of air in the root zone. They don't want to dry out completely (unlike some other types) but air is critical. That's why people use bark, or inorganic media such as LECA. There are lots of ways to achieve the goal depending on your conditions and watering practices. Have you repotted it?