Is this Pests or Edema on new leaves?

[EleanorChang]

all,
Not sure if this is a pest or an edema problem – I try to keep it detailed and straight to the point - hope someone can help shed some light on this?


A bit of Background

• Acquired Den-Phal in bloom 2 mths ago - 3 old canes with 1 growing cane
• Dunked in bleach solution and repotted from Bark to S/H
• Bad root system – 80% gone but signs of new root growths

Growth Space

• S/H set-up with an inverted bag with 2 air vent holes
• Sitting on heat mat 24/7 - 2ft from window
• Watering frequency every 3rd day (Rays water regime)
• Depending on the day: Temp: 70-80F / Humidity: 75-89%

The problem

• 2 weeks in, I thought I had mites- cleaned the crevices with alcohol and no longer can see any white fluff. I was also experiencing some random patches of raised spots on the leaves on the growing cane.

• They feel like sandpaper when you run your fingers over them. They look like blisters and are quite hard. When I scratch them – some watery liquid are present.

• There are also patches of yellow/white discolouration on the leaves and random patches of these "spots" on the tenderest leaves and on 1 older established leaf.

• On 2 of the new leaves they are only noticeable when the leaf grows bigger.
  The spots form a "V" shape on the top and underside of the new leave at the same place (one reason why I think it could be a pest in hiding, hacking away at the leaf near the cane)

• This is only appearing on one of the orchids out of the 11 I have.

This begs the question:- Is this a pest or an edema problem?

Thank you for taking the time to read.

[Leafmite]

I cannot really tell. Hopefully someone else will help. If you are concerned, you could always treat all your plants with a systemic to make certain they are pest free.

[EleanorChang]

Took some clearer pictures last night and did more research the AOS website.

Correct me if I am wrong, its like mite damage (Sand paper texture, only on the new growth/cane, discolouration etc)

[Dollythehun]

I'm interested to hear the verdict. However," fluff" usually indicates mealy bugs. I thought I had mites on my dens, I've sprayed and sprayed, never saw any pests. Now I'm thinking it was my gross underwatering. The placement of this damage leads me to believe it's older and perhaps not your fault.

[katrina]

That is scale. The brownish scabby looking things are adults and the white fluffy objects are juveniles.

Personally, I would get a systemic and treat every week, for 3 weeks. Scale can be hard to eradicate due to the adults being protected under that shell and home remedies typically don't work very well when you are dealing with multiple generations. Look for something that specifically targets scale.

[EleanorChang]

@katrina
The "white fluffy objects" feel like small pin pricks and are quite sharp/ fine grit sandpaper to the touch - I tried to scrape them off and ended up damaging the top layer of the leaf - still scales?

[katrina]

Hmmm. When I've dealt with juvenile scale it always wipes away easily...almost powdery. Naturally since I'm only seeing pics I could be wrong but I'm still leaning toward scale. Google biosduval scale and see if it's a match to what you see in person on the plant.

[Ray]

With those new pictures, I agree 100% with Katrina.

Immature - fluffy, mature - brown "helmets", and the "sandpaper-grit" ones are making the transition.

Isolate that plant and jump on this NOW or you will be battling a mass infestation.

[EleanorChang]

Originally Posted by Dollythehun

I'm interested to hear the verdict. However," fluff" usually indicates mealy bugs....

The “fluff” I encountered was when I first brought it back home. Since the alcohol treatment, I haven't seen them anymore.

Originally Posted by Dollythehun

...The placement of this damage leads me to believe it's older and perhaps not your fault.

I do certainly hope so, judging by the chevron of attack. The damage have become more noticeable recently….maybe because the leaf is growing out.

Originally Posted by katrina

Hmmm. When I've dealt with juvenile scale it always wipes away easily...almost powdery. Naturally since I'm only seeing pics I could be wrong but I'm still leaning toward scale. Google biosduval scale and see if it's a match to what you see in person on the plant.

There are a couple of videos on the AOS website on biosduval scale and spider mites that I referred to. I am still stumped because the spots are not powdery nor can they be scrubbed off.
Checked for mites by using the paper towel test to see if I got any red or brown streaks – nothing.

Nevertheless I will do a bleach bath treatment to be on the safe side.

Thank you all for responding.

---------- Post added at 01:26 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:21 PM ----------

Originally Posted by Ray

With those new pictures, I agree 100% with Katrina.

Immature - fluffy, mature - brown "helmets", and the "sandpaper-grit" ones are making the transition.

Isolate that plant and jump on this NOW or you will be battling a mass infestation.

Ohhhhh nooooo!...That is a very confident 100% - I won't argue with that. Scale treatment it is then.