Possible fusarium?

[Tim P.]

Good evening everyone. I purchased this plant back in January and it has done very well thus far. Now I was looking over my orchids tonight and noticed discoloration on some of the bulbs and leafs. What do you guys think? I don't want to risk losing my collection

[WhiteRabbit]

Plants of mine that had fusarium showed mysteriously rotting pbulbs and roots (near the rhizome); one showed no symptoms (yet) when I was dividing and discovered the ring in the rhizome.

Are those dark areas firm, or soft?

[Sharry]

Is Fusarium the same as black rot? That quickly killed a Slc Jewel Box that I had . It started at the base of the leaf but was much dense black. The discoloration in your plant reminds me more of a sooty mold.

[Tim P.]

In the base of two pbulbs you can see what looks to be interior rotting. I checked and the areas appear to be firm. Just worried as my orchid collection has grown exponentially. If it spreads no telling what kind of damage could be done

[WhiteRabbit]

http://staugorchidsociety.org/cultur...ases.htm<br />
A good reference for helping to identify disease.

It's possible the dark areas could be from a magnesium and/or calcium deficiency. I am SO not an expert however. To be safe, isolate the plant and use good hygiene.

Hopefully some more people can chime in!

[Tim P.]

The issue has grown. Now my large white catt has a black spot about two inches long on a leaf. Could it be too much sun? I just moved houses... Never had a problem before this. It's been one week since the move

[RandomGemini]

I would think if it was too much sun, they would bleach to almost white first, then turn black.