Cattleya orchid Brown on edges of the leaf.

[Justright1]

Thanks for all the help! I'll keep an eye on it. and yeah I basically soaked the entire root system in hydrogen peroxide 3%

[SouthPark]

Originally Posted by Justright1

Thanks for all the help! I'll keep an eye on it. and yeah I basically soaked the entire root system in hydrogen peroxide 3%

No problem at all Justright1! Thanks for letting us know. Yeah --- don't put H2O2 on the roots. I went down this path once - and my observations were (with 3%) - it didn't kill the plants (after spraying the roots with 3% H2O2). The plants didn't do much for quite a long time - months - before getting going.

When I get new orchids coming in through the mail, instead of pre-treating with H2O2, I just spray everything - roots/leaves and all with Mancozeb, before potting in my own media.

I only do this for plants coming in through the mail.

This doesn't mean that people can't try H2O2 out for themselves (on the roots that is). It's just that if they notice the same thing as I have, then at least there can be some sharing of the information of experiences.

[Justright1]

How long would I have to separate the cattleya orchid from the others. :If it had the bacterial infection.

[SouthPark]

Originally Posted by Justright1

How long would I have to separate the cattleya orchid from the others. :If it had the bacterial infection.

As long as is necessary. That is - if you notice that your plant is growing just fine for a few months with no more of this issue occurring, and you're happy with the situation, then just re-introduce it to the rest of your collection.

[Roberta]

Another reason not to use H2O2 on roots... the roots have microscopic hairs presenting lots of surface area, easily destroyed by peroxide.Think of how it fizzes on the edges of a rough wound on the skin. you don't want it doing that to the root hairs. A fungicide is better. (Physan is a possibility, there are other products that may do a better job, but it is not likely to harm the roots)

The damage looks consistent with the leaf getting a rapid increase in sunlight, to me too. It did need more light, but it needs to be increased gradually. Unless the damage spreads (consistent with infection rather than mechanical damage) probably no long-term harm.

[Afid]

I had a similar issue with one of my cattleyas, the thing that really stopped it for me was to cut a cross-hatch pattern into the infected area and rub some cinnamon on it. It stopped the infection quite quickly and it never spread after that. Be warned though, it leaves unsightly marks on the leaves.

[Justright1]

Did you see my photos? if this was your orchid would you cut the leaf? Or wait a little while.

[rbarata]

Wait to see if it spread.

[SouthPark]

I agree with rbarata ----- wait to see if it spreads. Watch it like a hawk every day. If that region dries up and becomes very hard (dried), then no need to do anything. Provide good air circulation.

[rbarata]

And increase light gradually.
It has also the advantage of drying the injuries, if wet.