reed orchid has encrusted dots on leaves

Question

There are tiny white dots on my reed orchid leaves. They are raised, and some are whitish and encrusted, while others have some liquid and a brown bit in the middle. My first thought was scale, but I can’t see any insect in them if I lift the thing off. Any ideas or recommendations? Do I need to isolate it?

I scanned a leaf which has both the white dot and the one with the brown bit in the middle.

Answer 1

If you can lift them off, then it is definitely scale. This damage is typical of scale infections. Since they lose their legs after attaching, and are unable to move for the remainder of their lives after this point. This will be why they don’t appear as insects.

They are VERY difficult to rid your plants of them. You will have to be vigilant, and pick as many off by hand as possible.

There are many treatments, most won’t work once they seal themselves to your plant. Therefore it will be necessary to remove any that you see by hand before treating.

This article will help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/control-plant-scale.htm