What is wrong with my orchid? Is it scale?

[TheAMP]

This is Sc. Crystelle Smith 'Aileen' potted in fir bark, Leca, and moss. The plant is indeed growing (see the small shoot, top center, second photo) but when I removed it from the pot I found lots of white specks. Is it scale? If so, how do I treat this orchid? What might I do to prevent this from happening again?

Location: Kissimme, FL, west facing screened lanai.

Thanks.
The AMP

[Orchid Whisperer]

Impossible to tell from the photos.

However, if you suspect scale or mealy bugs, the best approach is to (1) thoroughly clean the plant, including removing any dead, papery bracts, and using a soft toothbrush dilute detergent solution to clean away anything you suspect may be scale or mealies, (2) spray roots, leaves, everything with a Systemic such as Bayer Advanced Rose & Flower (or Bayer 3-in-1) (Repot in a completely clean pot and brand new medium. Spray the medium with the systemic before repotting (4) Re-treat the leaves and stems with the systemic at 1 week intervals.

If you have other plants that were near this one, treat all plants nearby as if they have scale or mealies (if this plant has those insects, nearby plants will also have them, even if you don't see them)

[bil]

`White spots on the medium is more likely fungus/mould.

[jkofferdahl]

I was also wondering about mold. How does it feel to the touch? It could also possibly be mealy bugs. Either way, the plant should be thoroughly cleaned as OW described and then repotted with treatment depending upon infection.

[estación seca]

Can you post in-focus closeups of the specks on the plant stems? We can't tell whether the plant has mealybugs or scale without a better look at that.

What I see on the medium looks like mold, which means you're not letting it dry out properly between waterings. Almost all Cattleyas need to get dry between waterings.

[bil]

Repot in a drier, more open medium. Small to medium bark and no moss.