Paphiopedilum with missing top layer on leaf

[lelani]

It’s hard to explain but today I noticed my paph had a spot on its leaf where it appears to be missing a top layer. I’m not sure if my pic shows well what I’m trying to describe. I have no experience with orchid issues so I’m unable to use my own personal knowledge to make a judgement. For anyone that might have seen his before, am I dealing with a type of bug here or am I worrying for no reason?

[Roberta]

First, Welcome!

It almost looks like like it was stuck to something in the past, and when pulled free the "cuticle" or top layer of the leaf, got pulled off. There are little, tiny snails called "bush snails" that life in the medium that can also strip the top layer of a leaf, but then the damage would look more like a track. This is so uniform that it looks more mechanical to me. Just keep an eye on it... it'll probably be fine, but if you see the beginnings of rot or other issue you can treat accordingly, for for now not necessary to do anything except observe.

[estación seca]

Welcome to the Orchid Board!

I have also seen crickets do damage like this.

[SouthPark]

Welcome! Definitely possible of being bug related. Does this orchid grow outdoors or indoors?

[lelani]

Originally Posted by Roberta

First, Welcome!

It almost looks like like it was stuck to something in the past, and when pulled free the "cuticle" or top layer of the leaf, got pulled off. There are little, tiny snails called "bush snails" that life in the medium that can also strip the top layer of a leaf, but then the damage would look more like a track. This is so uniform that it looks more mechanical to me. Just keep an eye on it... it'll probably be fine, but if you see the beginnings of rot or other issue you can treat accordingly, for for now not necessary to do anything except observe.

Thank you so much! I'm happy to be here.

That's a very interesting observation. It is a bit weird that it's only on that spot and it hasn't really gotten any bigger in the last couple of days. I will keep an eye on it and see if it grows.

---------- Post added at 10:27 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:26 PM ----------

Originally Posted by estación seca

Welcome to the Orchid Board!

I have also seen crickets do damage like this.

Hello, and thank you! I would say in my particular situation it's probably not that but it's very good to know!

---------- Post added at 10:28 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:27 PM ----------

Originally Posted by SouthPark

Welcome! Definitely possible of being bug related. Does this orchid grow outdoors or indoors?

Thank you for the welcome! This orchid is indoors with my other orchids!