Are these spots something to worry about in my Cattleya jenmanii?

[Alvaro78]

Hello,

Today I recently noticed these 2 different spots on my Cattleya jenmanii 'Charlie', it's a really special cultivar, I'll attach a picture. I just recently got this orchid and I placed it under my LED lights. My 2 currents options are maybe spots caused from the light or something fungal.

Can you guys maybe give my an inclination as to what they may be. I am more worried about the black spot and I will keep a close look on it to see of it grows. If it ends up growing do you recommend me to cut part of the leaf into green tissue with clean tools?

Thanks a lot!

[Roberta]

I cant tell for sure on the black spots, but that brown spot looks exactly like sunburn (heat burn). The black spot probably as well, just watch it. (A heat burn will dry up. It could spread because that sort of damage may take some time to fully show itself). If the leaves are warm to the touch, also a sure sign.

[Alvaro78]

I see, the brown spot if I remember correctly arrived with the orchid when I received, but it may have been a bit smaller, so maybe the black spot happened due to it being already sensitive and after me placing it under my LED lights at about 250-300 PPFD.

I really hope it's just a sunburn and not something fungal, but I'll just keep an eye on it. Do you recommend to cut the leaf a bit if it starts getting bigger? Thanks for the quick response!

[estación seca]

Fungus is uncommon unless relative humidity is high. Cultural issues are more common growing indoors. I also suspect both are heat injury. Heat and light damage occur on the parts of the plant closest to the light source.

I don't cut off blackened Cattleya leaves until they turn papery and light brown. If the spot is in the center I leave it as a reminder.

[Alvaro78]

I never imagined I would be to happy to hear that my orchid has a sunburn haha but it is way better than something fungal, as it is easily fixable.

Since it arrived it has been growing at about 23-25C (73-77F) during the day, 17-19C (62-66F) during the night and 45-60% humidity with good air circulation thanks to some small fans so I was thinking something fungal would be strange but I wanted a bit of confirmation to calm me a bit.

Thanks a lot! You are all always so helpful.

[Alvaro78]

Hello, today the black spot appears to be bigger than yesterday. Could that lead me to believe it is actually something fungal? Should I cut the leaf? or should I wait a bit more to see how it evolves to maybe see if it was indeed sunburn?

[estación seca]

Use a marker and gently draw a line around it. Watch a few more days. It may still be heat damage revealing itself.

If it keeps expanding I would cut a hole in the center of the leaf, not remove the entire leaf.

[Alvaro78]

Thanks a lot estación seca, I'll do that and keep an eye out. I hope it finally stops spreading