Brown Scale on my Phals

[kiwiorchids]

I have never had scales on phals, they always go for orchid with thinner leaves like paphs, coelogynes etc. Neem oil + a little detergent solution is effective against scales and non-toxic to humans. A couple of repeat sprays are necessary to eliminate them.

I would be very hesitant using Neem, there is a certain compound in it which CAN (not will, there is a 50/50 chance...) react with certain media and salts. And it looks VERY unsightly too. I use Confidor aerosol (nope, no CFCs in it either! ) which treats thrips, mites, scale, mealy, aphids and certain bacterias too.

[paphioboy]

I would be very hesitant using Neem, there is a certain compound in it which CAN (not will, there is a 50/50 chance...) react with certain media and salts. And it looks VERY unsightly too. I use Confidor aerosol (nope, no CFCs in it either! ) which treats thrips, mites, scale, mealy, aphids and certain bacterias too.

That's odd. I'm not sure what kind of leaf marks you're referring to. I love using neem. After spraying the leaves look so shiny and glossy! My recipe is to fill half a 500ml spray bottle with water, add just enough concentrated neem oil to form an even layer, add a couple squirts of handwash/dishwashing detergent and top with more water. The only thing I do not like about it is the peculiar 'oily' smell, which can be strong.