The Orchid Source - Orchid Forum

I've got a few Vandas and cattleyas showing this on the flower petals. What is it and how do I treat it? I have Merit and Physan.

TIA

I was looking forward to this one opening and I get this today:

Ohhhh, that doesn't look good. Get them away from your other plants. Looks like color break but I'll let others say for sure cause I'v only seen it once in person.

Color breaks that Jean mentions can be signs of virus. You might want to send a leaf off to Critter Creek labs for testing or DIY.

I've seen color break before and mine looks more like something has been munching away. I just don't know what...

Thrips maybe??

Usually color break is along the veins. I think it looks more like chemical or heat damage. Maybe even hot water...?

The damage on all photos is thrip damage. They enter the buds when still closed and begin munching on the soft tissue of the petals. If you look real close you can see the little long, thin specks running around. They like to hide between the petals that are touching and inside the lip, under the column.

You can use Merit or Orthene for those.
Spray all plants in spike or bud and keep them in the shade so the buds will not blast.

Gracias Irma!

All plants got treated this morning.

De nada!