variegated leaf spots

[brit6v]

Hi everyone,
What do you think these areas on the leaves of one of my catts are? I noticed them this morn. as the light was shining on them more than usual. By the way, they don't feel mushy. I would appreciate your opinions and advice.
Vicki

[orchidaddict789]

Looks like some sort of fungal (or bacterial) infection. It seems like the spots are "sunken in"? Reminds me of what happened to my phal. I sprayed with a fungicide and got it under control.

[brit6v]

Thanks for you help!

Yes, you're right.....they are all a tiny bit sunken.....especially the darker yellow streak on the upperside of the worst affected leaf. In fact, that same yellow streak is just very slightly shrivled, almost not enough worth mentioning, though.

Thank again,
Vicki

[digitalgate]

The plant is too dry may be misleading to tell if it is suffering from fungus problem. How the root? Do you have minimum 4 hours of sunlight on the plant(not direct)?

[brit6v]

Hi digitalgate,
A friend sent this orchid to me about 2 months ago. When I received it from her, the canes were shriveled, but I just assumed the reason was because it was an older plant. For future reference, is this sometimes the case, or was I mistaken? I repotted it in all hydroton the next day simply because that's the medium she had it potted in. I was hoping that by doing this, more stress would not be added to what it received from shipping and environment change. I've never had experience with hydroton (other than S/H), so I may have easily been underwatering it in my growing conditions. The roots looked good at the time I repotted the plant initially, but I haven't unpotted it since then. Now that you advise I check them, I will shortly then also water it. As for indirect sunlight, I think the amount it's been receiving in my greenhouse should have been sufficient...most days at least the 4 hr. minimum that you mentioned. No direct.

Thanks for your reply and I would appreciate any other advice that you may have.
Vicki

Originally Posted by digitalgate

The plant is too dry may be misleading to tell if it is suffering from fungus problem. How the root? Do you have minimum 4 hours of sunlight on the plant(not direct)?

[digitalgate]

I see, this is a back bulb. Then there is nothing wrong with your plant. Be patience, it could be 3 years before you see any flower from this plant. In the mean time, fertilizer and fungicides is a regiment you should follow. keep temperature above 55F if you can.

Since it has been two month and winters on its way. The plant could be"fozen" in time till spring arrive. Then new growth and roots will be on its way. Dont water too much as it can't absorb that much anyway.

[kmarch]

This is a fairly common kind of fungal infection (though I don't know the precise name of the culprit). I'd recommend applying a good fungicide according to directions. On the leaves that have the most damage, you may loose those, but the ones where you have only a little damage, those may yet be viable for some time.

[brit6v]

After I read your post, as well as digitalgate's, I checked the greenhouse to see if I had anything on hand fungicide-wise. All I found was Physan 20, which I use as a basic disinfectant (tools, floor/algae, potting area, etc.). I sprayed the entire plant with that. From what I've read, though, Physan 20 may not be strong enough for this type of problem (??). I had planned to ask the two of you what you thought, but when I checked the plant this morn., one of the two leaves had fallen off and the exposed leaf that was underneath it looked as if it was starting down the same path. Also, the other leaf that is in my picture looked worse than yesterday. I expect it to fall off too, as you said. I'll continue to spray with the Physan 20, but in the meantime I'm going to try to locate something stronger if (or rather "when") this happens again. I'm new at orchid growing (as you may know...less than 3 yrs.) and I gather that fungus problems will most likely happen from time to time.

I really appreciate your advice and if you can offer anything else, I will certainly welcome your help.
Thanks again,
Vicki

Originally Posted by kmarch

This is a fairly common kind of fungal infection (though I don't know the precise name of the culprit). I'd recommend applying a good fungicide according to directions. On the leaves that have the most damage, you may loose those, but the ones where you have only a little damage, those may yet be viable for some time.

[brit6v]

Thank you, digitalgate...
As I told kmarch, I sprayed the orchid with Psysan 20...but I would like to locate something "stronger" for next time (and also as I told him, I'm sure there will be a next time). I'll certainly take your advice for a regiment in the future.

This orchid is C. Boriquen Beauty. From the picture I've seen, the bloom is pretty, so I hope the plant survives so I can see it "in person".

Thanks again,
Vicki

Originally Posted by digitalgate

I see, this is a back bulb. Then there is nothing wrong with your plant. Be patience, it could be 3 years before you see any flower from this plant. In the mean time, fertilizer and fungicides is a regiment you should follow. keep temperature above 55F if you can.

Since it has been two month and winters on its way. The plant could be"fozen" in time till spring arrive. Then new growth and roots will be on its way. Dont water too much as it can't absorb that much anyway.