Whats going on? Black spots on leaves and roots!

[Cookiemonster]

Greetings everyone,
I attached some pictures of my plants condition, its a phal Sogo Golden, it was recently in bloom and then they just wilted off, I believe its one plant that became two...
One of them has a little spike growing out but it really hasnt grown much since october? ....
Is this root rot or some fungal disease with the black spots? I'd appreciate any input to make this little phal happy again
Thanks!!

[Ross]

Not sure, but seeing the sphagnum and the brown spots, I'm guessing rot. If you can get your hands on some Thiomyl, you might just cure this stuff, especially if you repot into loose, coarse bark or equivilant. Thiomyl OSG23: Camp Lot A Noise Tropicals Thiomyl is a systemic fungicide and rot treatment. It's taken up by the roots.

[Cookiemonster]

I think its funny, everytime I buy an orchid its in moss and its SO HEALTHY! I take it home and do the damage it seems, which is is disappointing, I live in arizona so I worry that some of the other potting mediums will be too dry? Any help ... thanks...
on a side note are you SURE its rot...or is there a possibility it would be something else... thanks!

[Ross]

Originally Posted by Cookiemonster

I think its funny, everytime I buy an orchid its in moss and its SO HEALTHY! I take it home and do the damage it seems, which is is disappointing, I live in arizona so I worry that some of the other potting mediums will be too dry? Any help ... thanks...
on a side note are you SURE its rot...or is there a possibility it would be something else... thanks!

No I am not sure it's rot. Just really looks like rot. Even though you are in AZ, I would still go with bark or some coarse medium as the potting mix. Most orchids cannot tolerate constant moisture and lack of air at the roots. Remember, Phals naturally grow epiphytically (in trees, etc.) with roots exposed. That's why they often send roots out of the pots. Pots are convenient for us growers, but not for the Phals. Sue (CB977) grows lots of hers in a ball of sphagnum but hanging like tree mounts. I use clear pots to be able to assess the dryness of the mix at a glance.

[Cookiemonster]

Help!!! I was watering the plant today and saw little white things running around, Im not sure if they are aphids or mealy bugs or whatever, but they are the same thing that DESTROYED and killed 4 of my orchids.
My plant is potted in sphaghnum moss, what can I do now to save my plant as it still has a good chance or survival!
Thanks!

[Ross]

Originally Posted by Cookiemonster

Help!!! I was watering the plant today and saw little white things running around, Im not sure if they are aphids or mealy bugs or whatever, but they are the same thing that DESTROYED and killed 4 of my orchids.
My plant is potted in sphaghnum moss, what can I do now to save my plant as it still has a good chance or survival!
Thanks!

Photos would help. Could be mealies or other monsters.

[razka3]

Why not try transplanting into new medium? Would be an easy solution.

[Ocelaris]

First thing first, you need to get that thing out of it's conditions, I'm with Ross, that's classic mold if I've ever seen it. the pictures of the roots are molding, and the insects are moving in because the plant is weak because it's roots are rotting.

You need to transplant that into new medium. Take it out, and snip off any mushy roots or decaying material. Wash it throughly with water.

For bugs:

Take a half cup (or whatever it takes to fill the container) of water, 1/4 cup rubbing alcohol, and 1/2 tsp dish soap (the liquid kind). Mix this up in a spray bottle and spray the plant thouroughly.

For Rot:
Thiomyl is a good systemic fungicide, which will halt your rot. Soak for a good half hour in the reccomended doseage. If you are still having problems, try some RD-20 or similar anti-fungal. Basically, if you don't have fungus, then you are ok, but rot is easy to spot, and it seems you have it internally if it's developing in random places along the entire plant. If it was just on the roots, you'd be fine, but at this point, some drastic measures (Thiomyl) would do some good.


Repot it in a VERY coarse bark. NO MOSS! Moss is death! The people from the flower shop put moss to make it look good, but it's a death trap.

Respray the plant with that alcohol/soap mix every few days for a week or more to make sure you don't miss the larvae cycle. i.e. the eggs will continue to hatch over a week or two, and you need to get them. Monitor it to remove dead material (if necessary).

That's just what personally would do in your situation. I hope it doesn't come off too rude! Best luck!

[orchids3]

I agree with what has been said but has anyone else tried Mosquito dunk? It contains Bacillus thuringiensis sub species israelensis spores and toxins. Its a microbe that attacks insect larvae. Its intended use is for mosquito larvae but seems to attack those larvae that infest our pots. I put mine in an old sock. Fill a watering can with warm water and let it soak for a day or two then give each pot a shot of water. If you dont put the little lumps in a sock the water gets full of what looks like sawdust and clogs nozzles. Its not something that I see approved for orchids but I have used it and it seems to help - use this at your own risk!

[jkhom]

I had the same thing with the little white bugs. Sprayed with neem oil, killed on contact and doesn't harm the plants. Bugs don't like the smell of neem also I think it's safer than insecticidal soap or other pesticides.