Extensive spider mite damage + virus concern
 

Hello all,

Unfortunately because of the weather, I hadn’t been able to be in my greenhouse that much to monitor the plants. This mini Dendrobium nobile now has a very bad case of mites. When I looked at it closely, it was covered in webs. I just washed the entire plant in soap water. Was that okay? The leaves look fairly damaged. 3 plants total have been affected though the one pictured is the worst hit. The leaves on this plant are also showing Chlorosis. I am concerned this is a virus transmitted by mites. Is that likely? What should I do?

May possibly fall under the category of neglect/orchid abuse - even if unintentional - when damage becomes extensive that is.

But at least it looks like the orchids have a good chance of getting past this thing.

There are certainly possibilities for transmissions of diseases etc by spider mites.

But hopefully this isn't a virus. Looking on the bright side.

As a general precaution - isolate those plants, and give them the spider mite treatment (eg. orchid-safe soap spray on all leaves and stems). May need to treat other orchids nearby too.

They say that spider mites don't like humid areas. So, dry environment is where they can do their thing apparently.

After the spider mite treatment, like orchid-safe soap or something else -- eg. Azamax - just monitor these orchid patients, and hopefully all under control again.

That sort of appearance isn't necessarily virus. That's just what spider mites can do in terms of taking down a plant.

Since this plant was a Dendrobium nobile, when the leaves starting yellowing, I just assumed it was just going dormant for the winter. Then the webs started appearing and I knew the problem.

Fortunately, it doesn’t seem to have spread far. I already isolated the plants and I have been washing them in the sink with soap water. Also, since they are deciduous, once the mites are gone, they should be fine as long as there’s is no virus. I am really worried about that though.

Aside, what is the best miticide/other treatment to use? I don’t really care if I have to wear a mask or gloves. Whatever is the most effective and tried and true treatment is what I want.

Also, a good preventative spray would be helpful to spray the non-infested plants. I have close to 200 plants and I don’t want disease spreading mites infecting them.

Strangely my GH is fairly humid at over 65% average.

I have Azamax .... ordered from united states... after Ray mentioned this product. I haven't used it yet. But will try it out sometime in the future.

I use Azamax. It works quite well. However, per the instructions, you'll need to mix up a fresh batch each time you spray.