Masdevallia abbreviata leave issues

[Beginnerluck]

Thank you for reading my thread ... I’m new to Masdevallias although not new to orchids .
I recently received several Masdevallias from an eBay auction and I’m questioning the leaves for fungal, bacterial,
environmental , or even pest issues ... or is it this plants natural look and I just need more education .
The plant does have new growth since I’ve received it , also has a few Keiki. The leaves feel thick, not very pliable, almost as if the issue is on a cellular level.
The plants are in sphagnum moss/ seedling mix , humidity relatively high (60%) depending on time of day , temp averages 68 daytime / nights average 50.
Any suggestions would be appreciated ...

[aliceinwl]

I’ve seen similar damage due to pest issues like spider mites. There could be other causes, but if they were mine I’d make a careful inspection with a magnifying glass. This type of damage doesn’t go away and it looks to be the older leaves that are affected so it could also be that it represents a past rather than present problem.

[orchidsarefun]

I've had the same. As a precaution spray with Garden Safe pesticide ( it's been safe on my masdies ). Disappears as these leaves fall.
I've even had aphids on 1 I bought on eBay - look carefully for bugs

[Beginnerluck]

Thank you for your thoughts, I’ll look the plant over well ... any suggestion for treatment? I know that neem oil
Is effective in treating spider mites... but can also be harmful to masdevallias

[aliceinwl]

I’m not sure if it’ll have the same issues as neem but I used an organic insecticidal soap to eliminate spider mites on my Dendrobium. I’ve read that mites rapidly develope immunity to chemical miticides often requiring treatment with multiple formulations. The neem oils and soaps work by physically smothering the mites so there is no chance of immunity but they do require multiple applications. I think it took about 6 weekly dousing with the soap to eliminate the mites on mine.

[orchidsarefun]

Garden Safe is the brand name