Milt. ((Zorro x Soquel) 'Tiffany' x 'Meadowdale 'Eureka')

[kiki-do]

I bought this Milt. from an orchid nursery in early April. It had two spikes with buds forming. One spike buds blasted, so I cut it off. Now this new spike with buds has been opening for two and a half weeks now, and won't completely open. I forced one open with my fingers just to see it. The leaves are also showing something unusual. Like a speckling throughout.
What's wrong with this Milt? Virus? Anyone know? Thanks in advance.

[dgenovese1]

Hi Kiki,
I'm not exactly sure what's going on here, but you might want to check for spider mites. These little buggers love thin leaved plants.

I usually take a clean, white tissue and rub it along the leaf. If there are red streaks, this indicates a spider mite problem.

If this isn't it, maybe someone else has another idea. Good luck!

[kiki-do]

Originally Posted by dgenovese1

Hi Kiki,
I'm not exactly sure what's going on here, but you might want to check for spider mites. These little buggers love thin leaved plants.

I usually take a clean, white tissue and rub it along the leaf. If there are red streaks, this indicates a spider mite problem.

If this isn't it, maybe someone else has another idea. Good luck!

Hi Dave!!!! Thanks for that suggestion, and I tried it and it's not spider mites. Anyone else????

[kiki-do]

[billc]

Hi KiKi, Not sure if this is the same type problem, but look at Des' reponse in this thread. Perhaps it wasn't getting its fair share of nutrients on the growers bench.
http://www.orchidboard.com/community...my-leaves.html

Bill

[quiltingwacko]

I have had my share of interesting problems with milts. They like lots of water. When the bud is starting to show some color, they are hypersensitive. Light, and even water speckles will stain the flowers. I have one with strange color block on one side of the inflorescence. I believe it was probably the reading light I had trained on it to get it to bloom. Sigh. It is always something. Carol

[kiki-do]

Originally Posted by billc

Hi KiKi, Not sure if this is the same type problem, but look at Des' reponse in this thread. Perhaps it wasn't getting its fair share of nutrients on the growers bench.
http://www.orchidboard.com/community...my-leaves.html

Bill

Thanks Bill, when I went and saw that phal leaf, it triggered my memory. I had that and it was caused by a lack of magnesium and was told to use epsom salts in water. I am going to try it with this milt. But I really don't think it's the same thing. But can't hurt. What bothers me is the blooms not opening. Isn't that a sign in itself of a more serious problem? But thanks for helping me remember about my phal. This might help the Milt.

[kiki-do]

Originally Posted by quiltingwacko

I have had my share of interesting problems with milts. They like lots of water. When the bud is starting to show some color, they are hypersensitive. Light, and even water speckles will stain the flowers. I have one with strange color block on one side of the inflorescence. I believe it was probably the reading light I had trained on it to get it to bloom. Sigh. It is always something. Carol

So true Carol! Milts are very very touchy. I have two others and know exactly what you mean. But this seems different. It's the way the blooms refuse to open. They were stuck and wouldn't grow anymore.
Anyway, you are right about them being hypersensitive.