2 sick Phals

[blk_seedorchid]

Hello fellow Geeks!

I have 2 sick Phals which I've attached thumbs. There's probably a string that talks about this disease/virus can someone please help in pointing me in the right direction? Or even your advise would truly help, I'd like to save them if it's possible. Thx in advance for your help!:

[mayres]

Can you explain how you care for them? How long have you had them - what is their history? Are they outdoors or indoors?

[blk_seedorchid]

I've had these for at least 3 years, they're located outdoors on my lanai and get filtered late evening sun for approx 2-3 hrs. Watering once a week feeding with worm poop weekly and 20-20-20 once monthly. These are two of 10 Phals i've collected. Hope this helps

[articuno75]

The leaves that have the "burns" looks just like that to me, burns. Almost like water droplets that were left and the sun magnified it. Even the top leaf of the biggest Phal I see spots that look like that, but with out clearer pics diagnosis is uncertain.

Now on the little Phal I see a different type of spotting/speckling. This looks almost like sucking bites from insects. But it could also be from water spotting as well.

Is there any way you could get clearer pics for us so that we could give a better diagnosis?

[mayres]

I was also thinking sunburn spots - so it was nice to see Jenny said it first.

[articuno75]

Originally Posted by mayres

I was also thinking sunburn spots - so it was nice to see Jenny said it first.

Great minds think alike

[patticake]

When I first looked at the pictures, I thought sunburn also. Would it affect the smaller leaf on the left hand plant, and not the others, though? I guess if it hit the plant just right it could, huh? Try moving the plants to where the sun doesn't hit them quite as much, and see if that doesn't help. Keep us posted. If it get's worse, let us know! Good luck.

[brookn]

I agree with everyone else, sunburn was the first thing that crossed my mind. I would keep an eye on them to make sure the spots don't spread, as their defenses are probably down from the damage, and it is easy for an infection to set in. I don't necessarily think the light was too high, maybe move them a little away from the sun. The thing that you might want to change, is the time you water, or making sure that the leaves are gently dried off after watering so it doesn't magnify the sun on them. I know that FL is receiving a lot of rain though, so moving them away from the sun may be the best bet, as you can't stand over them to dry the leaves off every time it rains.

[blk_seedorchid]

Sunburn Hmmmm....U think so That was the last thought from my orchid mind. I'll try anything though to save them. They both bloomed beautifully this year. Should I cut the spots off? The smaller one is growing a new leaf and as noted the taller ones new leaf is turning yellow. Both were repotted this year and were doing great. Brookn I'll try to water earlier and will move them awayfrom the sun. I'll see if I can get some better pictures and keep you all posted. Thx so much everyone for the advise!

[articuno75]

I wouldn't cut the leaves. They may look unsightly, but they still supply nourishment to the plant.

As for the yellowing on the newest leaf. Keep an eye on it. I still think it's from the burn, but then again, if you are getting a lot of rain and if there is water collecting on the crown, there is a possibility of crown rot.

[LouisW]

For Phals I would stay away from any direct sunlight at all. I would also not cut off the leaves unless the spots spread which would probably mean something of viral or bacterial nature. The roots look alright though. Thats a good sign.

I would bag them in order to preserve humidity and moisture and put them in a brightish spot out of the sun and leave them for a few weeks. Sometimes they make some good progress when you give them some privacy.

[brookn]

Louis, I am sorry, but I disagree with you on bagging these plants. IMO this will just lead to more trouble. The humidity where blk-seed lives should actually be sufficient. I believe that the humidity there is generally in excess of 70%? I live in a fairly high humidity area (most of the time), and bagging sick plants almost always leads to mold or fungus. It should recover nicely with some TLC.

[blk_seedorchid]

Try 80 to 90% humidity! As soon as I walk out I'm sweating I have tried bagging once before and as mentioned lead to mold or fungus However I won't cut the leaves & I will put them in a brightish spot out of the sun and give plenty TLC. Thanks again you all are great friends with excellent advise!