Tiny black spots on flowers

chefatplay · #1 (**permalink**) 04-20-2007, 07:11 AM

I bought my first phal a week ago at a supermarket. It was in full bloom when I purchased it with 4 or 5 buds on it. Since then, one stalk of blooms has the oldest flower beginning to die. I notice tiny black dots appearing on some of the flowers. Is it a sign of old age? The newer flowers at the end of the stalks don't appear to have these dots. Do I have a problem developing?

kmarch · #2 (**permalink**) 04-20-2007, 08:41 AM

The dots are Botrytis. Botrytis is a kind of fungus. It sometimes appears on flowers if they are cool and moist, either through being wet or through high humidity. Unfortunately once on a flower i don't think you can remove it. To my knowledge the only treatment is prevention.

chefatplay · #3 (**permalink**) 04-20-2007, 06:59 PM

Will this kill my plant?

Maddy · #4 (**permalink**) 04-20-2007, 08:09 PM

I don't think so - it's just ugly.

kmarch · #5 (**permalink**) 04-20-2007, 08:54 PM

Botrytis is not a fatal fungus, so you needn't worry about loosing your plant. It's more of a nusiance than anything serious, especially for those of us who like to put our orchids in orchid festivals and shows.

chefatplay · #6 (**permalink**) 04-21-2007, 07:21 AM

Thank you all once again. I'm relieved I am not going to lose my first phal. I will continue on!

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