Help identifying possible disease
 

Hi all, some of my phals started to show this weird thing starting from the base and up the leaves. Does anyone know what it could be and how to treat it?

Thanks in advance!

Mites?

Things that favor mite infestations:

1. Warmth
2. Low Humidity
3. Excessive Fertilization (Nitrogen)

Thanks Ray, I think conditions 1 and 2 were met but not 3. Is there any way I can know for sure? If it turns out to be mites, what should I do?

If you wipe the leaves with a tissue or paper towel, and end up with a yellow- to red "smear", it's likely mites.

Many miticides are expensive, but mild infestations can be controlled with warm, soapy water sprayed on the plants a couple times a day.

I use a product called Sucrashield, which can affect adults and juveniles.

Thanks Ray, I will try the paper towel thing when I get home tonight and keep you posted.

You will probably need to treat the orchid a few times to completely get rid of them. Good luck!

Hi all, so I wiped it with a paper towel and definitely got a reddish smear with some darker dots in it. I will treat it a few times and keep it separated from the rest of my orchids until it's gone.

Thanks again!

Carefully check any plants that were nearby, and consider treating them all at least once even if there is no sign of mites. Mites know no boundaries. The key to long term control is avoiding the warm low humidity conditions they thrive in.

I have successfully used Bayer 3 and One for Mites and Insects for mites, thrips, scale, aphis, etc. with no damage to flowers or plants.

Just don't use it on any 'edibles'. :)