Zygopetalum triste

[orchidsarefun]

update.
At least 3/4 of the seedlings were victim to zygo rot. There was no consistency in which some succumbed as some did, some didn't - and they were next to each other. I can't ascribe it to leaves getting and staying wet, temperature or lighting. Even the one or 2 under lights got it. Maybe its seasonal, I don't know - it does seem though once your plant gets it, then it becomes an annual event.
However - the good news is that all of them are in the process of recovery. This one has 10 new growths. They will all be going outdoors soon - I have never had the zygo rot attack any zygo plant whilst outdoors ( that I recall ). A couple of tristes are already outdoors - min temps in the late 30's - and seem to be doing OK in a protected spot.
As to the causes and cures for the rot. I honestly don't know as I have tried just about everything. The only other ( foolproof ) route is to hybridise out the tendency and it looks like ( touch wood ) my latest crosses have done just that.

[NYCorchidman]

It wants to live! just like my B. nodosa that had some weird brown rot which (I believe) set the plant on survival mode and the plant is shooting up 8 new growths all over the place!

[lotis146]

Holy wow look at all that new growth, that's impressive for sure.

I cut the brown ends off the two leaves that had the trouble and now I'm cautiously watching another leaf that is either getting too much sun and is thus just light or is about to develop this brown. It's interesting though because I've got dealt with this with any of my other Zygos though they are all hybrids, this triste is my only species.

So does it start with the leaves then? Or...?

How encouraging that your crosses are showing some positive results. I'm timid to move mine outside yet, I thought the evening temps are yet too low, especially this coming week. Are they permanently outside now then?

Thanks for sharing!

[orchidsarefun]

I have 2 still indoors. I suppose the outdoor ones are my test experiment for cooler temps.
This rot, at least on the triste, doesn't affect the pbulbs, just the leaves - starts with them. No set pattern either. Seen it start at the leaf-ends and also elsewhere. I would be interested to know if cutting the leaves works in preventing further rot. I have never done that.

[lotis146]

Sorry never saw your reply here Orchidsarefun. The cutting of the ends seemed to help at first but then I'd find another tip browning. The last month or so I've been busy with other things and have therefore not been so diligent with my orchids, thus browning leaves have continued to brown. As of late I've seen many more that have totally browned. Perhaps tomorrow I'll snap a pic.