Question
Hi! I have 5 beautiful cymbidiums and I am transplanting them. But one of them has white spore-like spots that rub right off. Even the psydobulbs have it. I am hesitant to plant it in the new pot, ..and fresh mixture of soil because I don't know what it is, or if it will contaminate the new soil. I know we have very hard water where I live.
Could that be it?  

Answer
Mary Lou, thanks for your question.  It is unlikely that "spore-like spots" are hard water spots.  It is more likely that they are a form of scale. I would use a cotton swab or cloth soaked in rubbing alcohol (ie 60% isopropyl alcohol) and wipe off every spot you can find.  Isolate your plant from the others as, if it is scale, it can spread. Check your other plants to be sure there are no such spots on any of them. It is okay to repot it after you have treated it with an insecticide appropriate for scale. I have been using an insecticide called "Eight" from Bonide.  You should best spray the plant with this insecticide(roots and all) and set it aside to dry for 24 hours before repotting.  Be sure to discard the old pot, potting mix and all, into a plastic bag and tie it shut. If your plant has new growth, after you repot it, place a granular systemic insecticide into the potting mix.  Use an appropriate rubber glove when using insecticide or handling the treated plant.