Could this be scale on the cattleya orchid Rlc Ana Balmores?
 

Hello Orchid Pals,

Need some help with this new cattleya mericlone seedling Rlc ana balmores that I ordered recently. Could this be the much dreaded scale? Attached are pictures of the leaves which have raised bumps. I just want to confirm from you guys. I know I had a similar issue with brassavola seedling earlier that I managed to save but this seems pretty bad and not sure if its worth takiny the risk? What do you guys think? I would appreciate any thoughts and suggestions.

Sweta

Looks like mechanical damage, but not scale.

I agree with mechanical damage. I see no insect bodies.

Hmm thats great if its not scale, but I thought scale embeds itself into the leaves and we wouldnt be able to see the bodies except for the juveniles?. I had an issue with a brassavola nodosa seedlings about 2 years ago and I had posted the pictures here on the forums and it was identified as scale after which I treated it for scale and this looks somewhat similar so just wanted to be sure its not scale. I'm attaching pictures of the brassavola nodosa that had scale issues earlier.

My reasoning is it appears to be on the outer surface of the outer leaf, which could have been scraped in packaging and transit. Scale usually begins on the inside surface at the leaf vein. I don't think most sellers would ship an obviously infested plant.

Yeah quite possible es. Glad that its not scale. I will keep a close watch on it just to be safe.🤞

Looking at the photo, it does seem that the brown line on the leaf could indeed be mechanical damage, possibly caused by friction or pressure, as if the leaf had rubbed against something hard or sharp. Mechanical damage is common in orchids that are moved around or kept in places where they might brush against other plants, pots, or even during handling.

However, if you’re unsure, keep an eye on the damaged area over time. If the brown color spreads or darkens, it might indicate a secondary infection. In that case, you could apply a preventative fungicide or bactericide. But if it stays the same, it’s likely just physical damage without major consequences for the plant.