Question
Hello - I have 3 Phalaenopsis orchids. One I've had for 4 years and the other two I've had for 2 years. Last summer I noticed brown "bumps" [not just spots], on the backs of the blooms that eventually moved to the leaves. Once they were done blooming, I tried wiping the leaves with a wash cloth and the bumps came off but the bumps returned.I then tried a over the counter pesticide and all seemed well for a couple months. All 3 are in between blooming right now. Although the leaves on each appear strong and green, the brown bumps are again present and the leaves seem to have a sticky substances all over them. Only one has begun to grow a bloom stem. I've read all I can find but no one seems to describe any similar infestation or disease. I can take a picture it will help you!

Thanks

Answer
Dear Chris, No need for a picture on this one, because you definitely have scale.  Scale is an unmoving insect that in its adult phase lives under a hardened surface which in this case are brown bumps but they come in other colors too.  This hard shell protects it and as a result it is somewhat harder to kill than other insects.  The trick is to smother them, so you will want to get a lightweight (or summer) horticultural oil which can be easily found at a Home Depot or garden center or feed store.  I'm suggesting a summer or light oil because I want to be careful around the orchid blooming stalk.  Spray the entire plant with the oil and even try to spray what you see of roots.  A tip: if you then place the plant under a bright light the spray will be even more effective.  The oil smothers the insect, killing it, and you will know that it is dead when the brown bumps easily slough off.  You can also try to physically remove the bumps, using q-tips and alcohol.  You will definitely need to spray more than once, about a week apart, but the scale will go away.  I wouldn't spray blooms with oil because that will cause them to wilt.  The scale insect is a sucking machine that sucks precious juices from your orchid causing the plant to be weaker and blooms to do poorly.  Give the orchid some extra fertilizer to help it with the stress.  The sticky substance is a honeydew that the insect secretes and it is very attractive to ants.  I hope this information helps but write back if you have any more questions.  Good luck, Melissa