Does it get easier?

[Leafmite]

Thanks, Tucker, I appreciate the follow-up. I am trying to learn as much as I can as to recognize these problems in the future. I just had the two that were suspicious and I isolated both immediately. The one was tossed and the other had better put out a perfect growth quickly. The others that were in the box with them when they arrived were well wrapped and seem very vigorous/show no signs so I think (I hope) they are okay. The rest of my collection seems fine so far....
Again, thanks.

[zxyqu]

At first I was really hesitant with virused plants. But some great cultivars of older phals are virused, and there is no getting around it if you want the plant. And, provided the virus doesn't affect the growth too much, and you take steps to avoid spread, it really shouldn't be much of an issue. After all we are all infected with numerous persistent viruses, and most of us still do just fine provided we stay in good health. Only when we get really sick do we seek out treatment. Just sterilize tools, media, pots, and you'll be fine. Also if you do any crosses with it, always make sure it's the pod parent and you dry sow the seed without any mechanical scraping of the pod to remove seed.

[Paul Mc]

Zxyqu, interesting take on it. Unfortunately my grow area is so packed I can't possibly keep it separated to avoid spreading it.

I ordered the test strips and plan to take pictures and bring to my next society meeting. I don't want to bring in the plant as I'm afraid of contamination. At the moment, it's outside by its little lonesome until I figure out what to do.

[Leafmite]

I am lucky with the isolation. I have my other plants downstairs usually and sick plants go upstairs. You could buy an oversized ziplock bag and pack it in that for your OS meeting. Someone from our society just brought a leaf that way.
I have my 'healthy' plants all packed together, too. I really hope my other plants are virus-free.

[Wynn Dee13]

I hope it tests negative! Let us know how it goes. I wish you and your plant good luck! Didn't you just receive this plant in a new order? You should ask for your money back if it tests positive.

[zxyqu]

It's a really tough call whichever way you go. But, if you are concerned, then you are doing the right thing by isolation and having it tested. Good luck with it, hopefully it's nothing serious.

[Cym Ladye]

Originally Posted by Leafmite

I spoke to a botanist friend because of my concerns and he said that, in his experience, the most tell-tale sign is a lack of vigorness. He said that this, combined with a test and any other symptoms is generally reliable. ......

and what came first - the chicken or the egg? Did the plant contract virus BECAUSE it was lacking in vigor or did the virus CAUSE the lack of vigor? The only tests I rely on are an actual strip or well test, and even then, I keep an eye out for any visual markings on the leaves and retest every time I repot or divide my plants.

Cym Ladye