Iwanagara Apple Blossom

[Lin]

I have put my orchids outside the last couple of summers. We have screened it area on the deck. Last summer we had so much rain and the days were so gloomy that the orchids really suffered.

I brought this little guy in and it was put under lights. Not sure if the light level was too high and it burned or if there is another problem. Attached is a pic of the underside of the newest growth. The oldest two are unmarked.

Any suggestions??

Lin

[mayres]

I don't believe it has anything to do with too high light input from indoor lights unless you have it under HID lights at very close range - which you probably don't. Are you sure you don't have any pests involved - mites or other insects???? They usually go for the youngest tender growth first.

[Lin]

Had a problem with scale on two plants earlier, they got pitched because I couldn't get it under control. But they were never near this.

I see absolutely no evidence of it. Have tried the paper towel under the leaf for mites, but nothing!

[jerrymeola]

It is the wrong side of the leaf for burn.

The underside is almost always insects, although I have had damage like this from extreme cold (28 degree night).

Insects are the simplest cure, just cut it off at the top of the pbulb and the rest of the plant should be fine.

It's not from too much light. My Appleblossom gets so much sun in the summer the leaves turn maroon. After it comes back inside, the leaves gradually turn green again, but the plant blooms like crazy.

[Lin]

I'll take a picture of the top of the leaf in the morning when the light is better.

The damage has not spread. But if it is insects, cutting off the leaf will not cure it.

[desertgal]

Lin......can't help with your problem but I am interested in what you are using for humidity trays and where you got them?

[Cynthia, Prescott, AZ]

Not all mites will show up with the cloth on the underside of the leaf. You need to get the highest power hand lens you can. 5 power is great, 30 is way too high for scanning. Read what I said about finding mites in this post: http://www.orchidgeeks.com/forum/gen...ht=vanda+mites

[Lin]

Here is the picture of the topside of the same leaf. This has not spread at all.

BTW, the humidity trays in the first picture came from Hausermann's (I think, it was SO long ago)

[Cynthia, Prescott, AZ]

Could also be a fungal problem, but if it does not spread, don't worry about it. Often a fungal problem will occur when a plant has had some kind of shock, but will recover its resistance, and you are just left with the unsightliness of the leaf. But, I would not remove the leaf, as that is a major amount of leaf area to lose in your case. Another possibility is virus, which acts to weaken a plant, allowing the incursion of fungus. If the next leaf to grow also shows problems, have the plant tested. Mean while, always use sterile tools when cutting, but this is what you should always be doing any way.