Is my cattleya virused?

[stevendown]

Dear forum members,

I have recently been passed down this cattleya (no ID, complex hybrid). There are these black markings on the prior growth. Is this some fungal infection due to poor culture (these growths are stunted) or is it a virus? The markings are only on these two most recent growths and do not seem to be spreading. Thank you!

[Ray]

I suspect that’s more likely a result of “cultural and mechanical abuse” than a virus, but you’ll not know for sure without testing.

[stevendown]

Thanks for your reply Ray!

[orchidman77]

I agree with Ray, it looks like mechanical damage - give it good growing conditions and see what the newest growth looks like as a good indicator. I've got several rehab jobs from other growers and they can look pretty ugly without being diseased.

David

[stevendown]

Thanks a lot David! I’ll get back to here once I manage to make it bloom.

[Roberta]

Looks to me a lot like sunburn. Not an ongoing problem...

[stevendown]

As a diagnosed hypochondriac, would you all say that this cymbidium looks just fine also? It hasn’t been with me long and is vigorous, but it does have a multitude of black spots on the back side of the leaves, and for the most part, the back sides only. I tried to look around if this can be attributed to the normal pigmentation of some of these hybrids, but I hadn’t much luck in finding that out.

[Roberta]

The only way to exclude...or verify.... virus is to test. Cyms tend to get ugly leaves. I have had many, with spots like that, that have tested negative. And occasionally one that was positive. Generally, if the plant is thriving it is ok. Advice from here is to just practice good hygiene. And don't expend excessive effort for any that seem determined to decline. And invest in some test kits.

[rbarata]

If that makes you feel more confortable, my Cymbs have leaves far, but really far worse than yours.

[stevendown]

Thank you all! I’ll keep my hands and tools clean and practice good culture. For the rest I am going to try to not focuse on the imperfections much, it’s supposed to be a pleasant hobby, not like I’m going for an award for culture anyways, haha.

I did check out the test kits but it seems like they go for about 200 usd so I haven’t felt like committing to that. I suppose if my collection expands in the future I might consider it, but most of my things are no ID from the home improvement store or are passed down. Some do have a lot of sentimental value, but they aren’t some vintage clones whatsoever.