This is ugly...what is it?

[BGGraham1]

This is my Mtssa. C.M. Fitch 'Izumi' I recently transferred it to s/h, and its been in my Orchid ICU. Some of the leaves have turned brown and fallen off, but this is particularly ugly.

The OICU is in a shady part of the house, and I am thinking maybe, since there are 4 new growths, its time for it to get a little closer to the sun?

[Mira-Claude]

The roots of one of my vanda did the same black spot thing.
A grower told me it was some kind of viral infection that spreads slowly. Told me to cut 2'' above all infected area and to isolate the plant a few weeks. If it stopped spreading the plant had a chance a survival, if not to burn it down.
It is currently in ICU but slowly making it. Still no roots in sight, but a leaf is growing.

[otis 226]

It looks like something bacterial to me, Brigitte. If it is a viral thing, all the cutting in the world won't get rid of it. If it has new growth coming on, I'd increase the light and see it the black spots spread. Keeping it isolated, of course, until you know what you're dealing with for sure.
Good luck,
Tony

[BGGraham1]

Should I start thinking about a Physan 20 bath?

[Mira-Claude]

I don't think it can hurt.
But then again only one vanda was affected here and I went straight to cutting because she was dying...

[otis 226]

Originally Posted by BGGraham1

Should I start thinking about a Physan 20 bath?

If it was me I probably would. It might keep it from spreading, but I don't think it'll correct what's already dead/dying.

[BGGraham1]

Thanks, Tony and Mira-Claude. I sucked it up and ordered some of the virus test strips from Agdia. I'm going to test this one, and I have a Cym in my backyard (well away from everyone else!) that I suspect may have a problem. I gotta know once and for all. I hope they come out negative...

In the meantime, I isolated the plant from all of the others, and am hoping for the best.

I am wondering though...when I grabbed it off the table, it occurred to me that, although I have them in a shady area, sitting on a seedling heat mat, and keep it watered - I don't have good airflow in that space. Could these spots be a result of poor circulation? I didn't think to put a fan in the room where I've been keeping my rootless wonders.

[Mira-Claude]

Could be, might be....
But just in case I would isolate it anyway!
I know that when mine went black spotish on me the fan was oscillating in it's direction 24/7. Hope for your sake it is different. But then again my vanda was a fresh importation from Thailand and your is not.
Good luck!