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Originally Posted by Leon
My phalaenopsis have done all right in the past. But now they have stopped developing new leaves for some six months and the existing ones do not look well. While they are deep green, they have secreted
something that looks and feels like a water-clear, dry varnish that is
spread out very thinly and in patches, mostly on the top surface, but
also underneath. There are also a few brownish scales, some roundish.
Any idea on how I can bring the plants back to life? Should I wash the
leaves, and if so, with what? Is lemon juice a possibility? Should I
repot them? Thanks in advance for advice.
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It does rather sound like scale insects. I use a small brush and methylated spirits (or brandy or vodka!) to deal with them.
The 'clear varnish' is the excreted by the insect and contain sugars. If left, it could attract ants and a black sooty mould. None of these are harmful to the plant, but not really appreciated by orchidists.
If you are in the Northern Hemisphere, your plant may have stopped growing because it is winter. Otherwise, check for signs of root rot.
Weng