what in the world is this pest on Phalaenopsis flowers?

[pasdonahue]

Hey ya'll sorry to bother again, however that on earth is this bug that is eating my flowers?! It seems to only be on this one Phal. In the attached photos I have 2 photos of the bug one of which shows the fluffy white that they leave behind and the leaf damage. At first I thought that it might be mealy bugs, but they don't look like mealy bugs.

[fishmom]

Boisduval scale, males, but the females (round, hard) will be coming along soon. I would take immediate action with Bayer 3-in-1. The larvae are in the potting medium, too, so a repot is advised. I drench the plant in 3-in-1 when I repot. Keep an eye on it for recurrence.

[pasdonahue]

Great. Should I do all four orchids or just the one? Also, I’m currently using Leca as media since all the bark products I’ve found in Nashville seem to have mold in them. Can the scale live in the leca as well?

[fishmom]

Well, I would do a pre-emptive strike if all the 4 orchids are together. At least spray without repotting. Scale moves easily. About the LECA, I'm not sure, but I don't see why it couldn't provide a hiding place also. Maybe soak it without discarding.

[Ray]

Treat them all, wetting all plant surfaces and thoroughly drenching the potting medium.

Treat three times at one week intervals.

[pasdonahue]

Thank you Fishmom and Ray.

With the Bayer 3-in-1 is it the roses one?

[fishmom]

Yes, it is a systemic pesticide containing imidicloprid. You may have other options where you are, but a systemic is much more likely to control the infestation than a contact-killer.

[pasdonahue]

Fishmom,
The only one available in my area with imidacloprid was the Bayer Advanced All-In-One Rose Care Granules. That being said the package only states to mix 2 oz (1 cap full) into the soil and them water. Considering there is no soil involved here I am attempting to mix a capful (2 oz) with a gallon of water and letting it sit overnight to see if the granules will dissolve.


Two questions:

1. Was this the correct product?

2. Does that seem like a good idea / proper dilution? If not, what is the proper dilution? or should I Just return it?

[fishmom]

Hm, I use a liquid formulation of this product, not granules. The dilution would depend on the strength of the granules, and the math conversion is beyond me. Sorry.


I found the liquid product online the last time I bought it.

[pasdonahue]

thanks for the info. I'll look to see if I can find the conversion.

Side note: the bugs move very quickly. Is that typical?