dendrobium bracteosum brown spots on leaves/dark sheath

[Calbears]

The first picture of this den. bracteosum shows the newest cane which in the last day or two is showing some brownish /red spotting on the edges of the new leaves. It's a little blurry as I took this photo with my phone, I'll take another with the dslr later and post it. The second photo shows one of the older canes which has developed some darkness and I'm worried it may be rot. A leave turned yellow and dropped from the top of that section a couple weeks ago. I'm new to orchids in general and this species in particular so I'm not sure if this a normal progression.

Thanks for the advise

[cbuchman]

I'm sure someone with more expertise will chime in too. I think the brown base of the cane is indeed rot. I've encountered a similar situation. Eventually all the leaves turn yellow and drop off. I cut off the cane and removed the rotted portion and treated the wound with cinnamon to deal it and discourage any further malaise.

I did save the healthy part of the cane as it had 2 keikis. I'm not growing the keikis still attached to the cane in S/H. I can't report success as its too soon to tell.

I can't speak to the spotting. Sorry.

[WhiteRabbit]

Is that dark area on the cane soft or firm? If firm, might be from some strong light. If soft, rot. The spotting on the new growth might be from moisture in the growth while that area was developing - I'd keep an eye on it to see if it's spreading.

[Calbears]

I will keep an eye on the new cane. As far as the dark area, it is slightly soft. Thanks for confirming my concerns. What course of action should I take? Cut off the cane? Douse in hydrogen peroxide? If I do nothing, will it necessarily spread?

Thanks again

[WhiteRabbit]

Hmm... I'm usually a "wait and see" kind of person, tho that may not always be the best course of action ... I've had canes/pbulbs rot without the rot spreading to other canes/pbulbs. I'm not entirely sure that is rot - has the dark area gotten any bigger or any softer?

I hope some others will chime in (board has been slower than usual lately)