Hello Everyone. I'm Mary

[Mary Morton]

Hello Everyone. I'm Mary and have only been an orchid parent for about a year. So far I only have 37 orchids of varing types. Last February I purchased my first orchid, a Bright Lavender Phalaenopsis at Lowes in Roswell, GA. It stayed in bloom for six months. Currently there are two spikes with buds beginning. I joined the Orchid Society of East Tennessee last spring. With membership came a plant called SLC Best Friend June. There was a stake with date 10/30/03 which I guess indicated the last replanting. This plant continues to produce new growth but the leaves turn brown and drop off. I have tried giving it baths in a variety of things but none of them seem to do any good. I keep "June" apart from the rest of the "family" but I am at a loss as to what to do to help her stay green and perhaps feel like blooming. Do any of you have and suggestions?

Mary from East Tennessee

[Tindomul]

Welcome to the Orchid Board. Glad you could join. Im sure someone will quickly chime in and give some suggestions.

[justatypn]

Aboard Mary, it's great you've joined our family, where a wealth of information awaits. I wish I was a bit well versed on Sophrolaeliocattleya, but I myself am a newbie of near 2 years, but am sure there are others who can chime in on your question. The OB has a gallery where members share their orchid photo's, so please don't hesitate to take a photo or two of your chid-ren. You've put your analogy of raising your chids into perspective... Not a bad start for your short time in "raising" your chids. Glad your here...

[terrestrial_man]

Hello Mary,
Welcome to the Board!
Sounds like you have a good start on building up a fine collection. But as far as the problem you mention it is hard to tell what could be the problem unless more is known on how you are growing the plant. Are the leaves falling off the new growth or the old growth? How do the bulbs look: shriveled or nice and plump? Roots? Is the potting media mucky or barky!!
Your comments will make it possible to go from this> to this >

[harrywitmore]

Hello Mary I'm Harry! Hummmm that rhymes. Welcome. I have had and killed I might add many orchids over the years but I have a new budding interest in minis. I am also a nut over epiphytes of all kinds as well as small growing plants in general.
You in my neck of the woods since I'm just one state over in NC. Sit back and enjoy. These are great folks to have around.

[cb977]

Hi Mary...welcome to Orchidboard

Sounds like you've got a nice collection started
I'm sorry I can't be of any help to you with this particular problem...it'll be interesting to see what the higher powers have to say

This is a plant that I am now going to have to find...my best friend's name is June!!! It doesn't get much better than that!!! Thanks

[bogdan]

Welcome!

I'm not since a long time here, but here you will find great people and a lot of information!
aboard!

[Mary Morton]

I will examine my problem plant and get back to you soon. Thanks for being willing to help.

Mary

[Mary Morton]

Back to my sick orchid-The leaves are not falling off but I remove them when they turn brown with black spots. The bulbs look plump and are firm. The potting media appears barky. The Best Friend June is potted in a rather large black plastic pot like they use to sell plants at open gardens shops. I noticed tonight that there is one new green growth at the base of one of the bulbs. Two or three of the bulbs do not have any leaves at all. The rest of the bulbs have five to eight longs narrow leaves. They have tan areas that look like the plant is infected but I can not find anything on them and when I run my hand over the leaves I do not get any stains or indication that something is on the leaves. The tan turns to dark brown and then black. I have the orchid under a plant light 24 hours a day. Any suggestions?

[CodiMN]

could you post a picture of the spots on the leaves? is the potting material moist?