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Avatar for MissySue
Mar 15, 2019 9:00 AM CST
Thread OP
Name: Melissa
Cleveland, OH (Zone 6a)
Hi all!

I just purchased this Cattleya Lily Marie from a nursery I know well. I do not know how I missed this, I guess I was just too excited at the time. See the brown and dark spots on the photos?

First, I found a couple ants were strolling along the stems. Then I found these marks- they sort of look like scale and some are raised; but then again, do Cattleya sometimes develop a bacterial infection from too much moisture? OR, did it just get bumped around during transport. A shipment had just arrived and it looked like people had rummaged through them quite roughly. Some of the pots were turned, laying on their side, etc. It was unusual because this place is very orderly. It reminded me of people looking for new beanie babies to collect right after UPS delivered to the store. Hilarious!

Right now it's in quantine, and I sprayed it. I would like to know what it is though, so I can plan where the plant will end up. If Cattleya and scale are sort of the equivalent of Ivy and spider mites, then I'll have it in a separate spot. I can take more photos if needed. Appreciate the help!


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Mar 15, 2019 10:40 AM CST
Name: Big Bill
Livonia Michigan (Zone 6a)
If you need to relax, grow plants!!
Bee Lover Lover of wildlife (Raccoon badge) Orchids Region: Michigan Hostas Growing under artificial light
Echinacea Critters Allowed Cat Lover Butterflies Birds Region: United States of America
Those appear to be brown scale. The raised ones are the adults, the others are young and perhaps mobile males.

Easiest treatment is with a cotton swab dipped in 70% Isopropyl alcohol. Just hit all individuals with swab and nudge the armored ones. Will kill instantly! Rinse thoroughly with plain water after application.
Orchid lecturer, teacher and judge. Retired Wildlife Biologist. Supervisor of a nature preserve up until I retired.
Avatar for MissySue
Mar 15, 2019 1:30 PM CST
Thread OP
Name: Melissa
Cleveland, OH (Zone 6a)
Oh, thank you! I've never had a plant with scale- I'll use the alcohol. Just curious, do scale spread easily? I'm wondering if I would in fact be able to get each one. Would some be hiding, and this would be continuous? Normally I would say, get rid of the plant, but maybe that's overreaction in this case.
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Mar 15, 2019 1:53 PM CST
Name: lindsey
wesley chapel, fl
Charter ATP Member I was one of the first 300 contributors to the plant database! Orchids Photo Contest Winner 2021 Photo Contest Winner 2023
Hi Missy Sue,
I use a spray bottle with a mix of alcohol and 409 cleaning liquid. Spraying does help get into nooks and crannies where the bugs love to hide. I clean off the papery 'sarong' on the base of the bulbs for this reason.
Good luck with your gorgeous flower and welcome to the Orchid forum!
Avatar for MissySue
Mar 15, 2019 5:36 PM CST
Thread OP
Name: Melissa
Cleveland, OH (Zone 6a)
Great- I like the idea of moving the "sarong" too.

Thanks to you both for the advice- you rock!! Thumbs up
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Mar 15, 2019 6:21 PM CST
Name: Big Bill
Livonia Michigan (Zone 6a)
If you need to relax, grow plants!!
Bee Lover Lover of wildlife (Raccoon badge) Orchids Region: Michigan Hostas Growing under artificial light
Echinacea Critters Allowed Cat Lover Butterflies Birds Region: United States of America
Your welcome!
Orchid lecturer, teacher and judge. Retired Wildlife Biologist. Supervisor of a nature preserve up until I retired.
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