Black pitted spots on Zygos

[Syrinth]

Drat, I'm going to have to start buying water...

[nutgirl]

I have a Zygopetalum "mackayii" that looks just like your photo. Spots all over it!

I notice they seem to start on the underside of the leaf and progress to the top surface. It had no spots when I got it in January.
At this time, the old growth leaves still do not have any but this spring's new growth is covered.

I do use well water which is probably full of minerals so "King's" comments are very interesting.

I will try a different water source.

Maureen

[jenmonkey]

King, on a related note, how do you feel about using water that I have filtered with a good old-fashioned Brita pitcher? I do have high mineral content in my area, so I have bought a Brita pitcher and have dedicated it to my orchids, especially my Zygo. Do you know if this removes enough of the minerals, or should I invest in a reverse-osmosis system sometime down the road? Cause, man, those buggers are expensive!

-Jen

[Duane McDowell]

This group tends to get these spots when they're stressed. Stress for them almost always comes from not getting enough water up into the plant. And, of course, that can mean either too much water or not enough water - not much help there...
Here's what I would do:
Be sure it's in fresh mix - pot in the smallest pot that will comfortably hold all the live roots. If the plant has good roots, it hasn't been getting enough water.
Zygos will live with underwatering, but they will never truly thrive. They need lots and lots of water to thrive. And yes, they want the water to be low in soluble salts.
So - fresh mix, appropriate size pot, lots of water (water BEFORE the mix dries out completely) and good water quality.
Also, it will take a few growths for the plant to recover from the pitting. Not sure why, but they are relatively unforgiving of stress.
Hope this helps!

[Syrinth]

Thanks, I'll do my best...

Guh, I'll honestly be surprised if this guy survives...

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Originally Posted by jenmonkey

King, on a related note, how do you feel about using water that I have filtered with a good old-fashioned Brita pitcher? I do have high mineral content in my area, so I have bought a Brita pitcher and have dedicated it to my orchids, especially my Zygo. Do you know if this removes enough of the minerals, or should I invest in a reverse-osmosis system sometime down the road? Cause, man, those buggers are expensive!

-Jen

Brita filters are okay for now. But I think the RO/DI unit is far superior.

It's up to you. Try it out and see.

Originally Posted by Syrinth

Thanks, I'll do my best...

Guh, I'll honestly be surprised if this guy survives...

Which one?

The one with root rot is iffy. The other one with strong roots will definitely make it.

Those spots are just unsightly, that's it. It will not kill your plant off. I had a Zygopetalum hybrid that lasted 5 or so years, and the spotting happened within the first few months of purchase. The only reason I lost it was because it went through too long of a period of neglect, and even then, it tried to rally back!

Just hang in there and work with what you've got!

[Stitzelweller]

Originally Posted by King_of_orchid_growing:)

Okay...

The only other thing other than air circulation, humidity, a change in environment, drafts, and temperature being the problem is...

Root rot.

Have you checked the roots?

There is another very real possibility: a non-threatening, pathological organism which is very common to Zygopetalums.

Think in terms of acne in humans. Is this a "real" problem?

Today, I just viewed some Zygopetalum mackayii plants at an institutional greenhouse which I haven't seen for 30 years. The same Zygos still have the same black spots AND the plants are stronger than ever!

[nutgirl]

Originally Posted by Stitzelweller

There is another very real possibility: a non-threatening, pathological organism which is very common to Zygopetalums.

Think in terms of acne in humans. Is this a "real" problem?

Today, I just viewed some Zygopetalum mackayii plants at an institutional greenhouse which I haven't seen for 30 years. The same Zygos still have the same black spots AND the plants are stronger than ever!

This is interesting. Mine are covered. If I can get them to grow well and rebloom I'll just chalk the spots up to one of the mysteries of orchid growing.
(but I would like to know if there's a way to prevent it)

Maureen

[Stitzelweller]

Originally Posted by nutgirl

This is interesting. Mine are covered. If I can get them to grow well and rebloom I'll just chalk the spots up to one of the mysteries of orchid growing.
(but I would like to know if there's a way to prevent it)

Maureen

Maureen, This has been a perplexing question for decades for those of us who grow Zygopetalums.

IF you are growing your Zygo plant for flowers, than you will, hopefully, be richly rewarded - regardless of black spotting on the leaves!

IF you are growing your Zygo plant for a CCM/CCE award, you probably won't win one with a lotta spots on the leaves. Sad, yet true.

[nutgirl]

I go for the flowers, thanks for the info.

Maureen