Odd looking leaf surface

[toby]

Hi,

I hope I'll be expressing myself correctly, as English isn't my first language. It is also my first post.

I just started to take care of the Orchid of my girlfriend. Unfortunately, it has been neglected for a while. She didn't water it regularly, it was exposed to a lot of direct sun and has been in a very dry room for quite a while (her bedroom, in which a dehumidifier was running for a few hours a day).

The orchid looks really sad, but I hope to get it back to the way it should be, as my girlfriend really likes this plant.

I have been reading a *lot* today, but one of the leafs really alerts me, and I couldn't find any information on what could possibly be wrong with it. It has a few white spots, a smallish, dry area on the outside of the leaf, but what worries me is the general surface of it. Around the middle of the leaf (until about 0.5 inch to the outside) it is not as soft as the other leafs, but has a rough texture, which is slightly elevated from the rest of the leaf. Here is a photo of it:

http://i55.tinypic.com/2002t5l.jpg

I am not really sure what to do about this. Shall I cut it and if yes, how? Is there a way to safe it at all? I would provide more information, if I could, but unfortunately I am not sure what kind of orchid it exactly is.

I hope one of you will be able to help because, as I said, the orchid means a lot to her.

Thanks in advance

[silken]

Some of that could be sunburn but a picture of the entire plant would help identify the plant and therefore what it needs. It is likely a Phal. which doesn't like direct sun. Can you post another picture of the entire plant?

[nutgirl]

Welcome to Orchid Board

Your post was very well written.

It looks like the orchid is a Phalaenopsis. The surface of the leaf could be a result of the dry conditions it is growing in.

Others will be able to suggest more.
Can you post a picture of the whole plant?

Maureen

[toby]

I just made a few more photos. I hope the quality will be alright, as the only camera I've got available right now is the one in my iPhone.

Here is the photo of the whole plant:

http://i52.tinypic.com/34erldw.jpg

As I said, it's in a really sad state. The leaf to the right is the one I posted a close up of before. The leaf to the left is dried out on the tip. I am not really sure what to do about that one either, as I read both, that you should cut it and also that it is normal if a leaf is older.

Another thing I have just noticed while taking the photos are some small, hard, and white dots/spots on the bottom side of another leaf (the top one to the right):

http://i51.tinypic.com/o6dueq.jpg

I hope this helps.

[toby]

Also, I forgot to mention, she has told me that she cut the spike after it has blossomed the last time and sealed it with cinnamon, in case that would help.

[silken]

Well, the plant looks like there is life left in it. The brown tips could be sun burn or too dry conditions. I wouldn't cut them off as they are still supporting the plant.

I really don't know what those bumps on the lower leaves are.

Maybe someone else does. I would start giving it some humidity and regular watering and see if the new leaves grow out normal. It won't like direct sunlight. Just indirect back a ways from a window such as an East one if possible. Maybe the bumps are caused by stress!

[CTB]

Could a weevil or bug of some sort, be responsible by depositing eggs under the skin? Since it is only on one leaf, it doesn't sound like anything viral. Just my
worth

[BobInBonita]

The plant looks much better to me than I thought it would (based on your description).

I would not worry too much about the leaf spots. The brown tips could just be physical damage from moving it or something.

If it were mine I would just watch the leaves carefully. It there is no expansion of the problem, I would consider it past damage and not worry about it. If it increases in area or intensity, then I would treat it according to the "best guess" at the time. Search the OrchidBoard or check the "Pests and Diseases" forum for pictures to match.

If you're up for it, I would see what the potting medium looks like. I always worry about decorative pots, because many do not have enough drainage.

Best of luck with your girlfriends orchid. (I sometimes try to convince myself that I am caring for my wifes orchids, but they are really my hobby.)

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

I differ in opinion. I think it's diseased.

Test it out by soaking the entire plant in antibacterial liquid dishwasher detergent.

If those sunken spots and other areas start looking waterlogged, then it's a diseased plant.

Not necessarily a viral infection. More along the lines of bacterial.


It might also be a little too bright for your plant. These guys grow in bright shade.

[CTB]

Thanks for the soaking tip, I will keep that in mind next time I question a spot.