Cattleya leaf tan -> black spotting

[nhbeek]

I have a cattleya that has developed these strange spots along the edge of a few of its older leaves. Does this look like something contagious? I grow my plants under lights in an enclosed space, so I need to be very careful with contagious diseases.

[Orchidtinkerer]

It's hard to say if what is afflicting it is contagious. Just treat it like it could be and avoid sharing any water from this one to any others, no dripping onto other plants or sharing the same water. Any toold should be sterilized between cuts to avoid spreading plant juices.

The plants won't spread stuff via the air, only via indirect or direct water transfer so keep this one quarantined but give it optimal care.

I've got cases like that one that would have a hard time growing for whatever reason, either too little roots, stress, doesn't like my conditions etc. Leaves can get attacked by Insects easier, they might develop spots, are more susceptible to fungal attacks and they might not grow as vigorous.
Sometimes they will make a full recovery, other times the spots spread and the plant goes downhill.

I couldn't tell you what some of the spots are on mine so no chance of accurately identifying what is going on with yours, just make sure the temps and substrate are in good shape and keep an eye on it.

I'd preventatively spray for spider mites.

[nhbeek]

Originally Posted by Orchidtinkerer

It's hard to say if what is afflicting it is contagious. Just treat it like it could be and avoid sharing any water from this one to any others, no dripping onto other plants or sharing the same water. Any toold should be sterilized between cuts to avoid spreading plant juices.

The plants won't spread stuff via the air, only via indirect or direct water transfer so keep this one quarantined but give it optimal care.

I've got cases like that one that would have a hard time growing for whatever reason, either too little roots, stress, doesn't like my conditions etc. Leaves can get attacked by Insects easier, they might develop spots, are more susceptible to fungal attacks and they might not grow as vigorous.
Sometimes they will make a full recovery, other times the spots spread and the plant goes downhill.

I couldn't tell you what some of the spots are on mine so no chance of accurately identifying what is going on with yours, just make sure the temps and substrate are in good shape and keep an eye on it.

I'd preventatively spray for spider mites.

Thanks for the excellent advice. Unfortunately given my current growing arrangement isolation and good conditions are mutually exclusive.

The main reason I am worried it may be disease is the plant is currently pushing three growths, so I don't think that stress and improper conditions are likely the cause of this.

My biggest concerns would be that it is caused by a fungus or virus, which in my somewhat limited experience usually present themselves as cosmetic problems, before slowly worsening.

I will check for mites.

[Roberta]

It looks fungal to me. Not virus. Maybe spray with Physan or a copper-based fungicide. Main thing is, agreeing with OT, keep it where water doesn't splash from this plant to others. I get spots like that, but since I'm growing with more space around plants (mostly outside) not much of a spreading issue. In a confined space, I'd be more cautious. You might consider removing the plant from your grow area and put in a window where it can get light, and watch the spots - if they don't spread in a few weeks then you're probably fine. If they do, then you'd want to treat and keep it away from other plants.

[nhbeek]

Originally Posted by Roberta

It looks fungal to me. Not virus. Maybe spray with Physan or a copper-based fungicide. Main thing is, agreeing with OT, keep it where water doesn't splash from this plant to others. I get spots like that, but since I'm growing with more space around plants (mostly outside) not much of a spreading issue. In a confined space, I'd be more cautious. You might consider removing the plant from your grow area and put in a window where it can get light, and watch the spots - if they don't spread in a few weeks then you're probably fine. If they do, then you'd want to treat and keep it away from other plants.

I ordered some physan and systemic fungicide. I will isolate it till it can get treated a few times. Thanks.