Viewing post #1201713 by DaisyI

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Jul 3, 2016 11:42 PM CST
Name: Daisy I
Reno, Nv (Zone 6b)
Not all who wander are lost
Garden Sages Plant Identifier
The insects are called 'scale'. They live inside a little waxy shell like a limpet so insecticides don't penetrate. But they have been sucking the life out of your little plant. That was a really big infestation.

It should recover but that depends on a number of things. These plants are grafted onto a 'host' plant (that's the part on the bottom) - the top is not contributing anything to the relationship (no chlorophyll) so the bottom plant is supporting both plants. The amount of energy required to support the top plant and all the bugs has probably taken its toll.

I can see two potential outcomes: The top plant had a certain amount of chlorophyll that was masked by the burgundy color and, because of the stress of the insects, has decided to work a little harder. Chlorophyll is what makes plants appear green and also is a key part of photosynthesis.

Or, the plant is dying. These plants normally live to be only 2 or 3 years old.

It looks to me like its starting to photosynthesize. That's a good thing as it can share in the responsibility of its survival and won't kill the host plant. But a bad thing because your plant won't be burgundy anymore.

Daisy
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and proclaiming...."WOW What a Ride!!" -Mark Frost

President: Orchid Society of Northern Nevada
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