Question
Hi Jim,

Not sure of what type of orchid it is but all I can tell you is that it is a creamy yellow with a pink spotty middle, small flowering.  Lately it has been getting more and more white spots on the leaves and after touching them they seem to be like a grainy type of dots, and the orchid seems to be dying a little more each month.  It is currently outside under a laser light covering where we have our BBQ's I do use the recommended potting mix for orchids and water when required at least 3 times a week.  Am I killing this plant? and how do I save it?  Please help.

Thank you, Tina (Melbourne, Australia)

Answer
G'day Tina from down under,

While I cannot be certain, those white spots might be what are known as boisduval scale.  The reason your orchid is slowly dying is because those scale are sucking the life out of it.  Warning: boisduval scale are one of the worst scales and can be diffucult to get rid of.  

I'm not familiar with what garden insecticides are available in Aussie land, but look for what is known as a systemic insecticide recommended for scale and orchids.  Systemic insecticides work by being taken up by the roots and slowly making its way up through the leaves.  When sucking insects such as scale feed, they are killed.  You will need to apply the insecticide a minimum of three times spaced a week to ten days apart.  

Not knowing what type of orchid you have, it is hard to know if watering 3 times a week is too much or too little.  Most orchids prefer to be watered when the potting mix becomes barely moist.  

Hope this has helped.  Good luck.  

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, Ca.