How to Clean Orchid Leaf Stains - Orchid Board

Pinkeed · #1 10-10-2018, 10:43 PM

Hi. I'm not sure how to get these leaf stains out. Got this orchid like 2 weeks ago. I think these are fertilizer spots or salt, not sure. I have already tried water and vinegar with no luck. Also the flower is yellow and not white, not sure why it's showing up like that in the pic. In case anyone is curious.

charlesf6 · #2 10-11-2018, 12:12 AM

Are you sure that they are stains, not part of the plants leaf natural make-up?

WaterWitchin · #3 10-11-2018, 10:34 AM

Same question as Charlesf6. Looks more to me like a lower light paph, and the spots are a part of its makeup.

Pinkeed · #4 10-11-2018, 11:07 AM

I don't know the newer leaves, don't seem to have them or very little. Almost like it was splashed with something or some liquid was on it and left behind residue.

And yes it is a low light Paph. Golden Palace.

It came from a large orchid greenhouse that I assume has overhead watering. I have one other low light one and it's really particular about it's leaves getting wet. I don't know if this is maybe a result of that.

WaterWitchin · #5 10-11-2018, 11:58 AM

Okay, better picture. Yes, a stain of some sort. What? I have no idea.

Have you tried using lemon, milk, mayo, Neems oil, avocado, etc, etc, to clean them? I'd give one of these a try next.

Ray · #6 10-11-2018, 12:50 PM

Now that I see that closer-up photo, I'd bet it's overspray from the white paint applied to greenhouses as shade. It ought to wash off - eventually - although watering the foliage should be generally avoided to prevent crown rot.

You'll probably just have to wait for the plant to grow out of it.

Pinkeed · #7 10-11-2018, 03:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ray

Now that I see that closer-up photo, I'd bet it's overspray from the white paint applied to greenhouses as shade. It ought to wash off - eventually - although watering the foliage should be generally avoided to prevent crown rot.

You'll probably just have to wait for the plant to grow out of it.

I went ahead and contacted the place I got it from and you are right! It is shading paint (or at least that's what they think).

WaterWitchin
I have not tried anything else yet just water and vinegar. I do have some mayonnaise on hand.

Is there an easy way to get it off?

Ray · #8 10-11-2018, 04:37 PM

I don't think it'll come off readily, and you're likely to do damage to the leaves if you continue.

Patience grasshopper...

charlesf6 · #9 10-11-2018, 09:23 PM

Yes if it some form of paint I would wait it out eventually; rather than doing more damage than good.

WaterWitchin · #10 10-12-2018, 10:45 AM

Yes, if it's paint there's no good way to get it off, other than time. Good catch, Ray.

On second thought... Just because it's me, I would try mineral spirits or rubbing alcohol or acetone on one of the older leaves on the one that's blooming. Then rinse off with water if it works. Then wait a week or two and see how it looks. Because I like to experiment.

I don't know anything about the stuff they spray on a greenhouse, but imagine it must be an oil based spray. Water based wouldn't make sense.