Patches on Phal Leaf

[whalloper]

Hello everyone,

I noticed this on one of my phals about a week ago and I sprayed with neem oil several times. I dont think it has got worse. What do you think this is? Pest or disease? I have another with similar problem, but more spotted and you can see spots all the way through the leaf (this can only be seen from under side). Since treatment neither's condition has changed from what I can see. I havent noticed it on any others, who all got a neem treatment. Also, this is only on one leaf out of 6 on the same plant if that matters.

[Dendian]

I had this exact discoloration on one of my phals (4 leaves - from before I bought it), never did figure out what it was (probably old pest damage from thrips or some sucking type insect). However, the plant is doing fine, the new leaf has no discoloration and it is blooming, so it doesn't seem to harm the plant.

[Stelios]

I think that you have or had spider mites sucking the juices from the leaf but it can also be bacterial. I think when it gets brown and sunken in it's spider mites most of the times. If you see any thin webs under the leaf it means they are back.

[tizzycat]

I have had the same problem with a couple of plants and would be really interested to know if anyone can throw any light on the issue.

No webs visible with or without magnifying glass and tried the wet kitchen tissue with no red residue.

[Stelios]

this will might help
http://www.staugorchidsociety.org/up...Sue_Bottom.pdf

[shaz]

I have a similar problem on 1 leaf (it's not as brown though), but it doesn't seem to be affecting the plant, it's new leaf is perfect so I'm not really worried (there are no bugs on the plant). I wipe leaves when I water so I'll keep doing that to keep it clean and see how it goes.

[kmarch]

This is a mild fungal attack that has set in most likely after some sucking insects have had their way. Neem Oil is used as an insecticide. If you had some mites or other insects it probably got rid of them but it wont affect the fungus as Neem Oil is not a fungicide.

It is not a bacterial infection. Bacterial infections move extremely fast and turn healthy tissue into black/brown soggy mush.

I'd recommend the application (according ot directions) of a mild fungicide. Because these brown markings are damaged tissue and because damaged plant tissue does not regenerate or "heal" the marks won't go away. The application of the fungicide will serve to stop the spread of the spotting. The leaf should function normally if it has not been too damaged. If it has been too badly damaged the plant will drop the leaf.

[whalloper]

Thanks for everyones input. I'm sure it's not bacterial, it's moving too slow. Kmarch, your statement confuses me, I've read several places, including the bottle, that neem is a fungicide...why is that not true? What fungicide treatment do u recommend?

[digitalgate]

no neem is not a fungicide , That i can vouch. Plus I don't really like the use of neem oil on non edible as they also give a lot of problem. U might want to check cynthia thread on neem oil uses. She use to swear by Neem oil. Until she discover that neem oil also give her problem. U could have also use too much oil on the plant.

[kmarch]

I haven't used neem oil since I left America in 2004 but back then it was used as a natural insecticide. Maybe they've altered their claims since then?

[whalloper]

Originally Posted by kmarch

I haven't used neem oil since I left America in 2004 but back then it was used as a natural insecticide. Maybe they've altered their claims since then?

I dont know what they said back in 2004, but many bottles with neem as the only active ingredient say natural "fungicide", "insecticide", and "miticide". Can someone give me suggestions for what else to use? Although, I have to say I can tell you for sure it works great as an insecticide and miticide. I hardly ever see a fungus gnat or spider mite anymore.