Yellow spots, lesions, bumps on phalaenopsis--pests or edema or something else?

[Shauna]

Hello! I am new to orchids and am noticing some problems in two phalaenopsis I've had for a few months. They have been going along fine, with one producing a new leaf, and the other trying to make new buds and branches on an existing spike. Recently though, I noticed a huge (1" or so) grayish lesion on the underside of one of the leaves. Shortly after, I started noticing pale yellow-green spots on the top side of the leaves that are especially visible when held to the light. When I examine the underside of the leaves, the spots appear dark green and slightly wet, and a few days later those same dark green spots appear raised into little bumps on the underside. There are also a few areas that have odd discolored bumpy areas, mainly on the underside (but one is on top). I've looked up edema, but the pictures I see do not look like what is on my plants. The one that is making new buds has just a few of these spots and the leaves look slightly dehydrated (crinkled), while the other has made a new leaf and looks firm and glossy other than the many spots that have shown up, mainly on the new leaf. Does this look like edema, pests, or something else? What should I do? Any help/advice is greatly appreciated!

[aliceinwl]

Hopefully someone chimes in with a second opinion, but it looks like a mix of edema and old mechanical damage to me.

[Dollythehun]

Originally Posted by aliceinwl

Hopefully someone chimes in with a second opinion, but it looks like a mix of edema and old mechanical damage to me.

Agreed. The grey spot does look mechanical and edema. The first picture could be insect damage.

[WaterWitchin]

I also agree. A bit of mechanical damage and/or insect bites, and some beginning edema. What does the potting media look like? Did you repot after purchasing? How often are you watering?

And Welcome to Orchid Board!

[Shauna]

Thank you for your input, everyone, and for the warm welcome!

I have held off on watering and the damage has not gotten any worse--no new spots that I can see. I have a small collection of 8 orchids of different types and I check them weekly--based on how they look and what type they are, I water if they seem to need it; otherwise I wait a bit. So on average I probably water every 7-10 days but have held off on this one to give it a chance to dry out some.

I recently repotted this from the garden center sphagnum moss it came in to the Imperial Dark Orchid Mix from RePotMe. Its a mix of fine bark, moss, clay spheres, white pumice-like stones, etc.The phal is still in its original clear plastic pot, although I think I will see if I can poke some holes in the sides for additional aeration, since this thing STILL has moisture beads inside it after at least 2 weeks since last watering. It does seem to be slowly drying out. I am a little concerned that there may be some root rot starting that I am keeping an eye on as well.