Dark spots on Mtssa pbulb plus some dark under leaves

[JeffreyR]

A few weeks ago I got an mtssa shelob okika division at a society auction. It seems healthy overall and has a new growth (no roots on that yet) that seems to be doing well. I have seen it grow noticeably during the time I’ve had it.

All pbulbs are firm, but two of the older 3 have a few small black spots on them. 2-3 mm at most. And some of the older leaves have some minor darkening underneath the leaves. None of the dark rubs off or seems soft or mushy. I put some cinnamon on the largest (maybe 4mm) spot and left the rest alone.

These are some of my first orchids with pbulbs and I don’t know if this is a concern.

Photos show pbulb with spots, leaves with dark undersides, leaf with a bit of general damage, and the plant in general good health and with a new growth.

If the black spots don’t spread or grow are they a concern?

Thanks for the help and all the great advice in the past.

[WaterWitchin]

Interesting plant. No experience with it. I'd have to google same as you, and it wouldn't get us far, right?

My first question would be... I presume you just moved it to S/H? It doesn't look "alarming" at this point.

[JeffreyR]

I got it just over 2 weeks ago in moss that was wetter and more broken down than I like. So I moved it to S/H, figuring the roots were already used to moisture. At the same time I washed the leaves and pbulbs with the 409/alcohol insecticidal wash just in case.

It already had the spots at that time. They are not new since I got the plant. Not much has changed other than the new plant growth continuing to expand rapidly. That seems happy.

This is a variegated leaf, with a light border on each leaf. I don’t know if the variation in color on the bottoms is normal, but I am guessing not. And it only appears on the older leaves. I’m guessing it is old age, but that’s only a guess.

If it had just been that I wouldn’t have posted. My concern was mainly with the smallish black spots on the pbulb. They have a small indented center. They look like the plant equivalent to (but dark) of a horsefly bite.

As mentioned I put cinnamon on the largest and left the rest alone while I get advice.

[aliceinwl]

Some of my out door orchids get black spots like yours. I think it’s fungal and spread by splashing water. It’s more of a problem when the weather gets cold. If I protect them from water on the leaves and pseudobulbs during cold weather, there’s less of it. It seems mainly cosmetic. I don’t have issues with it indoors where I’m less apt to get water on the leaves or pseudobulbs. I’d be inclined to take a wait and see approach with your plant and try to keep the leaves a pseudobulbs dry. I have a NOID Shelob look alike and it’s a pretty tough vigorous plant.

[JeffreyR]

I found the flowers interesting and really like variegated plants. Hoping that I can give it the conditions it needs.