Dark spots on phal lueddemanniana leaves and spike

[mtessa]

My neighbour was about to throw this one out but I was wondering if I could save it. The colour seems a little too light but I saw a photo with similar looking shade of green (last photo).

The black spotting is in all of the leaves, even on the flower spike.

Any recommendations for treatment?

Thank you!

[JScott]

It mostly looks like mechanical damage to me, like the plant has lived a hard life and been roughed up a lot. The leaves do look a little too close to yellow, so too much light may be a factor. It also looks very dry. I think the plant will be fine if you give it the right aboutnt of light and water. If new leaves when they start to grow show any signs of black spots or whatnot, then you may have a problem, but I don't think that will be the case. I think the poor guy has just had difficult life.

I would repot it so that you can both check on the roots, and get it potted in your preferred potting mix.

[aliceinwl]

With the yellow blotches in addition to the black pitting, I think virus may also be a possibility. I think if treated well, a lot of virused plants can be asymtomatic or nearly so. I think it’s savable and there is no way to tell for sure if it’s viral without testing: I’d practice strict infection control in terms of not sharing water and disinfecting any pruning implements etc. used on it.