Couldn't respond in the thread you started. Here's my answer.

I think it's mealies. Don't quote me. It's also very common at this time of
year in FL, Chris. Hot + wet + hot + wet = mold. Soap, water and alcohol
are your friends. An application of Physan can help, but this weather we're
having is tough.

Diana
"Ray B" wrote in message
news:000001ca0416$c90b40f0$0500a8c0@fro...
Often, such a "sooty mold" is a precursor to insect problems (I'll be
honest, after than nice French viognier we had with dinner, I don't recall
if it's scale or mealies), but soapy water is useful to wash it off.

Ray Barkalow - First Rays Orchids - www.firstrays.com
Plants, Supplies, Books, Artwork, & Lots of Free Info!



-----Original Message-----
From: Chris Savas ]
Posted At: Monday, July 13, 2009 4:37 PM
Posted To: rec.gardens.orchids
Conversation: Sooty mold
Subject: Sooty mold

Hi, all,

I currently have a number of my planst that have what looks like sooty
black
mold on the leaves. It's not selective as to kind of orchids; it's on
different kinds. I have tried to clean the leaves by hand using cotton
balls
and alcohol. The mold 'washes' off without too much effort. It occures
on
the top and bottom sides of the leaves.

Can anyone recommend a deterent of some kind? (spray?)

Chris Savas

(remove not from the address to respond directly)