Question
Hello I am visiting family in France and their many orchids (they do not know which type, but it looks like the single stem with ( 5 or 6 large leaves are covered in a white cotton like in some areas and powder substance that looks gooey; I did not notice insects; it seems to ooze a little and has contaminated several pots, any advice on what to do, I searched on google but could not find anything; do not have a camera so cannot mail pics, they have had plants for 2 to 4 years

thanks for taking the time*
N

Answer
Natalie, from your description, I believe that the plants are infested with a sucking insect called a mealy bug.  Due to the extent of the infestation I recommend the following: 1) obtain a fresh supply of orchid potting mix and supply of plastic pots with a lot of drainage holes, 2) discard the old potting mix and pots as they contain the different life stages of this pest, 3) soak some cotton swabs in rubbing alcohol and go over each plant removing all visible signs of this pest, 4) make a pesticide drench by using an insecticide effective against mealy and soak each plant in it, then setting the plant aside to dry before repotting.  Be sure to wear appropriat gloves when working with the pesticide drench.  If you follow this procedure, you should be free from these pests for some time to come-- maybe permanently.  Mealy bugs are the most common pest of orchids.