Fungal or Bacterial Infection on Latouria Dendrobiums?

[DesignerofBeauty]

Hi All!

Any idea what's going on with my Dendrobiums? The Latouria types have this silvery substance on them. It looks like the outer green layer has has been damaged. It doesn't rub away, and it doesn't have any mites or webbing seen with a jeweler's loupe.

[Roberta]

That still looks to me like severe spider mite damage. I'd treat it as though it is. Something is munching, or has munched, on the cuticles of the leaves. What about plants that were near these? Any sign of damage that might be starting?

[estación seca]

Yes, that looks like spider mite damage. They preferentially attack thin leafed plants. They are more active when temperatures are warm and humidity low, like in a heated home in winter.

[Waterdog111]

I wouldnt think it would do any additional damage to treat for these and see if it helps.

[realoldbeachbum]

The damage looks VERY much like an infestation that I had last year with Flat Mites (sometimes called False Spider Mites). They devastated about a third of my collection before I figured out what they were! They are so tiny I had to use a microscope to identify them. Eradicated them with multiple use of Bifenthrin. They are mean little buggers. Good luck.