Virus or Fungus or Oldness or what???

[orchid_lord]

I don't know what's wrong with my cym. It has a root, it has black spots, it's leaves are falling and turn yellow... I have some images . Any ideas? Sorry for the quality of the photo.

[Ellen]

From the photos it just looks like old pseudobulbs that are dying off as new ones grow. Probably nothing to worry about.

[eSRods]

It looks like some sort of virus Maybe ring spot virus.
If I were you I would put this orchid 200 miles away from the others.
But, of course, I maybe wrong.
Cheers

[orchid_lord]

So, it is a virus?

[eSRods]

Sorry Orchid_Load, but blame my orchid reference book.
It shows a picture of infected leaf - very similar to your photo #1.
Hope it's a sun burnt.

[Lucinda Brown]

Separate it from your others as Ed said but I would try a fungicide before I gave up on it. Physan is a fungicide,viruscide, etc. A good one to try.I've only been able to get it from the internet or ebay,though. Ortho also makes a good fungicide I've used on mine. Good luck!

[Cynthia, Prescott, AZ]

It might be virus, or it might not. Unfortunately, marks on leaves are not conclusive. Color break in flowers would be much more diffinative. You can have the plant tested if you want for about $5 to $6 dollars (Critter Creek Labs). However, don't panic over this. Any collection of 10 to 20 plants almost certainly as one or more plants that are virused. Just make sure you use sterile tools (not with alcohol), and don't allow insect infestations, especially aphids. If you want to see more pictures of virused plants for the fun of it, here is my collection of pictures: http://www.pbase.com/schnitz/virus_in_orchids

[eSRods]

Cynthia, good collection of photos there.
Do I have to sterilise my computer mouse before I click on my orchid pictures??

[orchid_lord]

of course, but not in alcohol .

[Ellen]

Only if you have a PC. Macs don't get orchid viruses.

[orchid_lord]

YOU can never know (orchid viruses are evolving ). BUT NEVER put a mac near a contaminated PC, and ALWAYS wash your hands after you use a contaminated PC. GOOD LUCK!

[orchid_lord]

I have recently found some "pustules" on the cym's new pseudobulbs. I have a photo ( a little unclear as always). What can it be?

[Cynthia, Prescott, AZ]

Don't know what it is, but I would not start to worry about it. I read some where that blisters sometime occur because the plant pumps too much moisture into the leaves. The poster did not say or maybe did not know what conditions it took to produce these, but the word was that it was a mechanical thing, not a desease in the blisters being discussed.