Oh, Please help! Maybe a virus?

[patticake]

Hi! I can't post a photo- because my son is not available right now to help me! I have adopted several orchids from November on-- One..( the one in my avatar) Is sick!! I think it might be Black rot fungus. I haven't over-watered it- but, when I got it, the column had a black spot on the tip when it opened. The sheif turned black, and now the leaves are turning a slight purple underneath. I have removed the plant from the others, because I have several new plants that I am nurturing along.( I don't want to spread any nasty stuff!) All of my other plants are doing well- If it's a virus, I'll destroy it... The leaves have a light mottling to them now, - They didn't have it before! I wish I could display photos! Thanks for your advice!
I can see the black spot in the photo now! I didn't know any better when I started!

[digitalgate]

turn purple. that a good sign. you have given it enough light, well may be a little too much.

[patticake]

The "purple" is on the underside of the leaves now. All of my other plants are healthy and doing well...This one is not doing well at all...- If it's a virus, I'll get rid of the plant. If it's a fungus, I'll treat it- (if I know what to do! ) I wish I could post photos- It's not me, or the camera..... It's this computer!!! ( says my son):dont know: You can see the black spot on the column in my avitar! I wish I had known what I was looking at before.- Any advice???

[articuno75]

You can treat first and see if the symptoms go away. Bayer Advanced 3 in 1 is what I use for the extremes. You'll have to have the plant tested to be sure it's virused. There are some symptoms that mimic the look of virus. Cynthia made posts about it in the threads somewhere. I think the thread is called "What's this?"

I would treat for bacteria first before declaring virus.

[Cynthia, Prescott, AZ]

Boy, I've been having trouble finding Bayer Advanced 3 in 1. Finally had to order it off the internet, and there weren't very many places offering it. One said out of stock until spring. Wonder if the Bayer company doesn't manufacture it during certain times of the year because it is not mite season (except for those of us thay grow inside where it is spring all year).

[tom499]

Photos would help hugely, but purpling on the under side and edges of leaves is usually a sign the plant is getting good light. Since buying a grow light all my catts have it, and they are all putting out new growth much faster than before.

[patticake]

I'll see if I can get my son here soon... This plant was in the same window as the others, and they aren't doing it. Plus, it's only one leaf at this point. I thank you for your advice so far. I'll do pictures when I can

[articuno75]

Originally Posted by patticake

I'll see if I can get my son here soon... This plant was in the same window as the others, and they aren't doing it. Plus, it's only one leaf at this point. I thank you for your advice so far. I'll do pictures when I can

Is that one leaf a younger leaf? I had a Phal leaf that had a purple underside when it was smaller, but lightened out as it got bigger. This would be normal for younger leaves as well.

[11Orchid126]

Whatever you do, don't panic. Don't start cutting the plant up or throwing it out. So far nobody has said you're plant is on the brink of death or has a highly communicable disease that can start a plague. You sound like an over worried mama. Come down from def-con four and we'll figure out what's wrong. We've all been there at one time or another.

[Debbie Hayden]

Patticake, I wish you luck on your orchid problem. It sure is pretty. Too pretty to lose, that's for sure!

[patticake]

Lol! I'm not in a panic- I just write that way! I've isolated it, but it still has a nice window. I can post pics. as soon as my son gets over here. He's in the middle of a huge project at work, so he's been working late, etc.-I should have waited to start the thread untill I could put the photo's on! When I'm rich and famous, we'll get a better computer. This one has major quirks.
Thanks for the comments- The leaf that's affected is the one that just bloomed. I'm just a little miffed at myself for not being more careful when buying it. This is one from a reputable greenhouse too! My bargains from Lowe's etc. are doing great! Go figure!

[articuno75]

When you get pictures, take several and some off the bloom. Get as close inside as possible and if you can really good shots of the petals. I still don't think it's virused yet.

[patticake]

Thanks Jenny, The bloom is gone. But I've taken photos of the other "problems" and will post in a few day. I'll start a new thread when I do. Thanks again.