Help with Scale!

[Heidi S]

Hi Everyone,

Unfortunately, I am finding scale on my Hoya, Phalaenopsis orchid and Anthuriums at the moment. I have been scraping and picking them off, but had to discard one anthurium as it was too far gone. I read a orchid website that recommended a spray of water with small amount of rubbing alcohol mixed in, but that seems a bit toxic to me. The orchid has been blooming since May 2009 without stop, and currently has one bloom with 5 buds swelling, so I don't want to get rid of it. I have been inspecting these plants weekly and have them separated from other plants to reduce them infecting others, but I would really like to get it under control.

Any suggestions?

Thanks,

HeidiPG

[CdnChelsea]

Horticulteral Oil applied with a cosmetic sponge works with any scale problems with my houseplants.

[Heidi S]

Is that the oil in my dormant oil and lime sulphur kit?

thanks,

HeidiPG

[CdnChelsea]

here is a website which explains Horticultural Oil better than I can:

http://gardening.about.com/od/naturalor ... rt_Oil.htm

[Heidi S]

Thanks,

I will stop by the garden centre and find what I need. Each of these 3 plants are so important to me for sentimental reasons and I just want to make sure i save them.

[toothpick harry]

Isopropyl alcohol will not damage your plants- in fact it can be applied full-strength to the scale you see using a small artist brush or a cotton swab. However this method requires ongoing vigilence.

Horticultural or dormant oil does work well, but anything you use must be capable of creeping into the smallest crevices of your plant- expecially the crown formed by the leaves.

[Heidi S]

Thanks, I have recently started doing the alcohol swabs on the orchids. My local garden centre recommended that approach too. I think that these plants are coming alive because of the increased sun shine and light, and the scale has decided to follow the trend. Hate those things!