Black spots and tiny black bugs on my Nelly Isler - Orchid Board

its_kristy · #1 06-21-2010, 08:26 PM

I have a Burrageara Nelly Isler and it has black spots all over it, almost as if it was spray painted. Upon closer inspection I see tiny tiny bugs crawling on the leaves. I don't have a magnifying glass and they are small enough that I can't see any details and can only say that they appear to be longer than they are wide, are black and are smaller than the spots on the leaves. I have attached some photos hoping someone could tell me what these are.

King_of_orchid_growing:) · #2 06-21-2010, 09:20 PM

Probably a result of not being watered enough and exposed to heat.

The scaly look of the leaves is usually a sign of drying out excessively.

I wouldn't be surprised if the new growths have "accordian leaves".

Was there a period of time when this plant got neglected?

its_kristy · #3 06-21-2010, 10:34 PM

I've only had the plant for about a month. I bought it at a farmer's market while traveling on business. It was flowering when I bought it and looked very healthy but then had to transport it back home on the plane. It got jostled around a bit and a couple of the flowers and buds got knocked off. After that, it went south pretty fast. When I bought it, there were about 3 flowers and 4-5 buds. The remaining buds opened quickly but also died off pretty quickly. In total, it was in flower only about 2.5 weeks after I brought it home. Since then it has been watered weekly and kept in an air-conditioned house. It hasn't been exposed to direct sunlight or heat above 85. There aren't any accordion leaves.

I can't help but wonder if this is pest related because of the little bugs that are crawling around.

RobS · #4 06-25-2010, 04:57 PM

The thiny bugs are most likely spider mites when they are really small and mainly elongated / round and wingless. If they are elongated with thiny whings they are thrips.

Your local garden center might have some products to treat against them. But as they in general don't like humidity I already managed to get rid of them by putting affected plants in the shower a couple of times. There is also other methods as cleaning the leaves with a swab and spiritus soap mixtures. Following link is rather usefull.

How to Get Rid of Spider Mites

silken · #5 09-26-2010, 12:05 PM

It looks like spider mite damage. They can kill a plant quickly so you should do something fairly soon. I have found using the gentler approaches such as insecticidal soap only controls them, not eradicate them. But you may want to try that first, neem oil solution, insecticidal soap, alcohol and water etc. before pulling out the big guns such as Kelthane, or Malathion.

stefpix · #6 09-26-2010, 12:49 PM

I would not worry about the black spots but I do think as well that the silvery layer on the leaves looks like spider mites.

YOu have to be careful about what insecticide to use because spider mites are not insects and I read that many insecticides are ineffective and you need to get something specific. I found them on a Dendrobium nobole I have and put thej whole pot / plant in a bucket with soapy water for 10 / 15 min and then rinsed in the shower.

Maybe best repeat the treatment after a week or 2 for a few weeks.

CTB · #7 09-27-2010, 07:03 AM

Welcome to the Orchid Board. Can't help with your problem, but you have found the right place for help. Enjoy!

orchids3 · #8 09-27-2010, 08:08 PM

I think you have two kinds of bug - Spider Mite which gives you the silvery looking leaves also it looks like you have Armored Scale. Kelthane will help with the Spider Mites. Armored Scale which looks like black blisters is difficult. Acephate mixes are good - like orthene. It may take several applications to kill this stuff. It looks like the infestation is serious - and may kill you plants if not treated.

Junebug · #9 09-27-2010, 08:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by orchids3

I think you have two kinds of bug - Spider Mite which gives you the silvery looking leaves also it looks like you have Armored Scale. Kelthane will help with the Spider Mites. Armored Scale which looks like black blisters is difficult. Acephate mixes are good - like orthene. It may take several applications to kill this stuff. It looks like the infestation is serious - and may kill you plants if not treated.

I agree...looks like spider mites and scale.

orchids3 · #10 09-28-2010, 05:59 PM

By the way, many of us have learned the same lesson you should have - never put new plants directly into your collection of orchids or plants. Isolate them and find out if they have something like this, or anything else. Its infectous and will spread to the rest of your collection if given the oportunity. Be especially careful with "rescued orchids". There is a case for buying plants from reputable nurseries that you and the people you know have confidence in.