Ack.. I have mites!
 

I just noticed that there is rust colored deposits on my paph leaves and they are getting depressions all along the leaf. I've looked in my books and I think this means I have mites. Does anyone have a good remedy? I've just washed the leaves with dish soap and water. Do I need something stronger?

Is it just along the edges of the leaves mainly or is it on the top and under-side of the leaves, or is it just on the under side of the leaves? I've had paph's that had the rust coloration with pitting on the top of the leaves and I think it was bacterial or something like that. I wasn't able to make it go away. Some pictures would help us to better diagnose what the problem is. Also I have been told that if you take a q-tip or a white tissue and run it on the underside of a leaf that is showing the symptoms and if you see rust colored specs that it is a good indication of spider mites. Have you tried this yet?

The pitting is on the top, bottom and in between the fans. I do get rust specks. I'm pretty sure its mites. My camera won't get in that close for pictures so you wouldn't be able to see the details. I'm thinking about spraying with Bayer, but I've heard mixed results.

I was at Wal-Mart the other day and seen Ortho had a new 'eco' friendly insecticidal soap, it was $5 so I thought what the heck. It worked on the aphids on my Calla Lily, something the homemade concoction was having trouble doing. I have not tried it on my chids yet, no problems with them...yet. But it did no harm to the Calla Lily and he is a sensitive little feller. (and more needy than my chids!) I also found Wal-Mart has SuperThrive for $7 a bottle (grabbed one of those too!) Good luck with getting rid of those mites. Eek. :yikes:

Hey Breezy --
We had a gnat infestation so my aunt gave me the same eco friendly ortho bottle and ive sprayed not only house plants but the orchids as well. I've had no problems with it. And it killed those gnats! Best of luck!
Katie

That's great. Now I won't have any second thoughts to using them on the 'chids when it comes time. Thanks!

NP :) Let me know how it works for you!
Katie

Hi Hera, You're going to need an insecticidal soap to effectively get rid of the mites. I haven't used the Ortho but it sounds like it might work.
Here's a site that will tell you more than you'll ever need to know about insect issues:North Carolina State University

Good luck, Bill