Question
Hi,
I have 2 plants they are very large and have huge stocks that flower, however they are only suppossed to bloom around Easter.  I live in San Diego the plants are inside and are blooming but at the same time the leaves are falling off repidly.  What do I do? Are they sick or OK because thay are blooming.

P.S. the leaves are becoming covered in litte seed looking things!

Answer
It sounds like you may have dendrobium orchids.  If that is the case, then this is natural as they are likely the deciduous type and lose their leaves.  The "seedlike things" are most likely scale insects or they may be aphids.  They may be removed by Q-tips soaked in rubbing alcohol (it will not damage the plant).  In addition, I would check for an insecticidal spray and use that as well.  You may need to continue to treat the plant as new insects appear so keep a watchful eye.  I would also stop the watering and let the plant dry out.  When the plant stops blooming, I would repot it after checking the roots for root rot.  If any roots are "mushy" they need to be removed before repotting in fresh orchid potting mix.  Overwatering orchids accompanied by root rot is the prncipal cause of plant death.