Mini Phal leaf problem

[Bobits]

Hi there, I've had these two mini Phals for about 4 months. My daughter gave them to me AFTER all the pretty flowers were gone lol.

Then are in the same spot (east facing window) and one is growing a new flowers spike and the other has the weird leaf thing happening.

They are both potted in moss.



Any thoughts on the small blotchy leaf on the back one?

[Orchid Whisperer]

I would be concerned about the leaves on both plants. The plant with the striped leaves has ring spots. Sometimes that can be fungal, but often it is viral. Viruses are eventually fatal to the plant. The only way you can be sure if it is a virus (if the plant is important to you) is to do testing to determine if it is virus, or not. A lab called Critter Creek, and some others, can do the testing. Viruses can't be treated; the only way to prevent spread to other orchids is to destroy the plant & discard it in the trash. Sorry.

The one in the back (no stripes) seems more likely to be fungal. Possibly Anthracnose? Treat with a fungicide that will work on that problem.

Here is a link to information on orchid pests and diseases, including guides for selecting chemicals to treat fungal diseases and other problems: http://www.phelpsfarm.com/OrchidPestsandDiseases.pdf

Good luck!

[Bobits]

Could I treat both for fungus and see what happens? They are far across the room from other orchids. Is that close enough for the virus to spread? I was looking forward to seeing the little guy flower since it has a spike and don't want to destroy it just yet!