Help for my Paph

[dinostar]

We're complete novices, and have not been able to find pictures of what our paph is experiencing anywhere (books or internet). It's a browning on the newest leaf, spreading from base towards the tip. The leaf has continued to grow despite the browning. We're concerned that it may be bacterial or fungal, and are very worried about the health of the plant.

The paph is currently blooming, and we purchased it from a dealer in Feb. It's our first paph. None of our other orchids (phal, phrag, onc, dend) are displaying any signs of the browning.

I have attached a picture that best shows what I'm talking about. Any help you can give is greatly appreciated - we're worried!

Thanks, star

[tom499]

It looks to me like the crown has got wet, and then stayed wet over night. I'm not sure how much chance the growth has of surviving, but at least with Paphs it will make new growths.

I would use a sprinkle of cinnamon over the browning, others will suggest a good anti fungal you can buy local.

My best advice would be to just look out for watering getting into the crowns of growth after watering. It can be really damaging. Try and water before midday, and if water does get into the crown, I find a small piece of tissue paper (or something equally soft) gently dabbed onto the crown will help soak up the worst, and the rest should evaporate before any rot can set in.

[kmarch]

It's a bacterial browning which is almost always (at least in Paphs) caused by water sitting in the crown usually combined with night-time or cool conditions.

The leaf should be removed but you will need to be very careful. You might find if you tug gently on the leaf it will come out without resistance or you may need to cut as much of the damaged leaf off as possible. I then recommend treating with cinnamon or Physan.

You may loose the whole growth but if caught early enough it may be ok.

It's always best to try to prevent such things, in this case by making sure there's good air flow around your Paph, to try to avoid getting any water in the crown, and to water early in the day, preferably morning so the growth can dry off before night.