Strange spots on Phal leaves

[Sarah_bee]

10 days ago is when I started noticing more of the discoloration. I don't know that I noticed any of the dots yet at that time, although they could have been there since that is what they look like from the top of the leaf! I just posted on that other thread, thanks for the suggestion! (I am new to this!) Thanks for your help!

[silken]

Good luck and maybe someone else will chime in.

[lepetitmartien]

A chlorotic spot with a tiny dark center can be a sign of trips…

[Sarah_bee]

Thank you. I will definitely check. I appreciate all the help

[Sarah_bee]

Update!

Someone from Texas A&M came out and took a look at the leaves and the greenhouse and made a diagnosis: Phalaenopsis mites. Yay (I think....) At least there is a name to what is going on and I can move forward with treatment. Apparently the spots are where the mites have started boring into the leaves (thus the tiny dot in the center of the spot). I am relieved that I now know what is going on but not looking forward to trying to get rid of something I cannot see. Here we go! Thank you for your help!

[NYCorchidman]

Good to know!
What did they recommend that you do to treat the plant for this type of mites??

[Sarah_bee]

Usually I would treat with Neem, however this time I treated with Avid and will repeat treatment in two weeks (from the day I treated). I still believe that I had more that one problem going on. I think there was something fungal attacking the phals and then the mite problem on top of that. I have now treated for both and I see improvement already, although it is hard for me to pinpoint which treatment has helped. Maybe both! The spots are not going away but are not getting worse or spreading. The color is improving. Also on the top surface of the leaves that had the most spots I have noticed blisters. Once the blisters surfaced they collapsed in a few days. It seems like something that was running its course in the leaf tissue, whether it was a direct reaction to the mites or to a fungus, and it has stopped (again, it isnt going away, but it isnt getting any worse).

[bethmarie]

I have two plants that look pretty rough after tangling with Phalaenopsis mites. The damage, and the fact that it's quite hard for me to see if there are still mites present, has me worried about the rest of my plants. I go the least toxic route whenever possible, but I opted for Tetrasan + Avid today. I want these rotten creatures gone!

Thanks for the thread