Vanda Leaf Drop

[dad'sorchids]

My dad gave me this Vanda Rothschildiana 2 weeks ago. It has dropped 5 leaves since I got it here. The leaves are yellowing and black spotting and then falling off. It is moving up the plant fast. You can look at the pictures to see. It gets 2 hours direct sun first AM and 60% shade the during the middle day and about 1 hour direct sun at sunset. I mist the roots 1-2 times a day. The roots are very healthy looking. I used Ortho Isotox systemic pesticide and Daconil multi-purpose fungicide last week. I fertilize once a week with Naturize a 14-29-14 that contains beneficial microorganisms. Should I use the Daconil again? [ATTACH][/ATTACH]

[tom499]

That sounds horribly like a virus. If your giving it the correct growing conditions and you've been blasting it with pesticides and it continues to degrade Then I would be worried.

I would give it more sun, it may help. Keep it well away from your other plants. But if its happening fast then I do think it could be a virus. Burn all the fallen leaves, and maybe be ready to burn the plant.

BUT wait for other opinions first

[Cynthia, Prescott, AZ]

While it looks like it might be virus, looking at the spotting, it also may not. First, let the plant adjust to the change and settle in. It looks like it is loosing the older leaves, and the newer ones look pretty good. Later, if it looks like the plant is going to survive and grow, you can send a piece off for testing. Don't waste your money now on testing, because if it is virused, it may never grow well, and that in itself is a reason for getting rid of a plant. Always assume that any plant may be virused and always use sterilized tools for cutting (not alcohol tho). I wouldn't go so far as burning suspected leaves, etc. The trash can is quite adequate. Remember, it takes an open wound to allow a viral infection, so the chances of infecting other plants is mostly relegated to mechanical means of infection, tools or finger nails.

[elitebettas]

Yes, keep it away from your other plants because viruses can be transmitted by certain pests/insects from plant to plant. Struggling plants need little stress-see what others have to say about reducing the amount of sunlight it is being given while so stressed-I'd put it in shade. Also, you mentioned you mist twice daily-make sure the second misting isn't too close to evening/night when temperatures drop and humidity rise and the plant is wet..

[elitebettas]

Looking at the picture again, I would cut off the yellowing leaves and make sure that when you mist this struggling plant, mist roots to make sure it's getting enough water, i wouldn't mist the leaves, keep the water where it's needed. Looks like the spotted leaves and yellow ones need to be kept DRY.

[dad'sorchids]

Thanks for the advise. I will give it another week to adjust, make the last mist at 1PM and roots only. I will use a new razor to cut off old leaves then trash the razor. Do you think I should wait a week to do a second fungicide application? Where can I send to for virus testing if this baby survives? Thanks, Bill

[Cynthia, Prescott, AZ]

http://www.crittercreeklab.com/

I think 3 pm in all but the short days of winter would be OK to mist.

Daconyl is non-systemic. If you see any change in the younger growth, I would find a good systemic fungicide or two. I see that Oak Hill has some good prices on Phyton 27 and Bonomyl (Clearry's3336 equiv.) in 2 oz bottles. Minimum shipping suggests buying a few other items as well.

[digitalgate]

can the black spot wipe off with your hand? may be just mold. Where this orchids come
from? If it come from the North(like minnesota somewhere like that.)
If it is mold or fungus, you need to starve the fungus of water for 2 or 3 days before
watering.
If the black ring on the stem cannot come off, I saw this quite a lot in Vanda. I usually
throw them away. (i hope i am wrong). Look like some type of rotting. Separately this
from your collection of orchids just in case.

[rodbender]

looks like sunburn to me. here in pt charlotte I have the same problem when i let my vandas have any direct sun. I have found that they do quite well with about 40-50% shade and havent had many problem with them. The black spotting might be mold if your nights have been as foggy as ours have been. check to see if it wipes off easily when plant is dry.