What could be growing in my cattleyas???
 

Hi
I have one plant that has white stuff in the leaves. I can rub it off. I don't see any bugs. Will this spread to other orchids.
What should I do??? Spray???
[IMG]http://onfinite.com/libraries/1515030/6d2.jpg[/IMG]

It's hard to tell for sure but it looks like it's mineral build-up from hard water or fertilizer. What type of water do you us?

Try using RO/DI water or rainwater to rinse it off.:)

Hi Takeiteasy,
What 'happens' when you rub the white
stuff off & between your fingers ?(like 'squeezing it' )? does it stay 'hard' cristaline like or does it become brown liquidish? I say this as it could be an infestation or just residue from fertilizer.... - Would help to solve your 'problem' If everyone knew the answer to this question.
Good photos!

This is mealy bugs almost certainly.

Thanks so much for the help.
I was wondering why it would only be on one orchid.

Also on some areas after it was rubbed off, the plant leaf was faded.

What happened if I used soap on the orchid?
Thanks again

looks like you have Scale insects

Definitely looks like mealy bugs to me also. Good thing about them (if there is such a good thing about them:biggrin: ) is that they're slow moving and easy to eradicate. They will suck the life out of your plants by eating away at the leaves and any other part of your plants. That's probably what began to happen with the one leaf that's faded. Safers Soap, Neem oil with equal amt. of dish soap in a spray bottle, rubbing alcohol, Listerine sprayed on .... will kill them. I would use the soap or neem and flush the pot as well. Also, you should keep checking the plant every watering and do a maintenance spray every time you water, at least for a month.

It's good you noticed it now while your plant's still in tact. Good luck!

Thumbs up Ron for the 'mealy bugs'..I couldn't think of the name :)... :blushing:
takeiteasy; one of the easiest & efficient ways of getting rid of them is swab them with alcohol apart from squishing them...
More experienced growers will no doubt be able to give you other methods of getting rid of them (I have only had them once & got rid after 8 months; first six by squashing and last 2 months by applying alcohol on them using a cotton bud to clean ears with..- haven't seen any in about a month :crossfing

I've used the alcohol treatment too - you do havve to rinse off the alcohol, though.

Hey There
Thanks for all your help............
This really helps!!
Have a great day!!!!!!!!!!

I vote for boisduval scale. The bane of cattleya-growers everywhere.
Cheers - Nancy