Black Rot? LC Busy Bev ‘Blue Jewel’ - Soft Brown Pbulb

[realoldbeachbum]

I have had this healthy Busy Bev 6 months. She produced one gorgeous bloom two weeks ago, but it fell off after only 5 days. As soon as the bloom fell, the pbulb and the base of the leaf became dark brown and soft. The VERY base of the pbulb, where it connects to the rhizome (I think that is the right term), is still bright green.

The new roots at the base of the dark pbulb are bright green and healthy as are roots on new growth on the opposite side of the plant.

She has been outside in 90 F daytime temps with sufficient rain water. Humidity here in AL has been 65+% most of the time. (70-75 F nighttime temps.)

In searching the net, I found Sue Bottom's pictures that indicate it might be Black Rot (Pythium / Phytophthora), which is contagious. What do you guys think? What would you do if this were your orchid?

It is isolated now, but I am at a loss as to what to do next. Your guidance is very much appreciated.

(I hope pics come through - trying postimages.com for the first time. )

Thanks, ROBB

Orchid 132 — Postimages

[Roberta]

The growth with that rot at the top... I would remove it at the base. If that rot progresses into the rhizome, the plant is history, and unlike most problems, that one can progress pretty fast. I'd do the surgery with a single-use single-edge razor blade. If, when you remove the growth you find evidence of rot that has progressed further, you may need to remove more. You need to slice down to clean tissue. And be very careful to not contaminate the good part. (razor blades are cheap... when in doubt, use a new one or flame the one you're using)

[realoldbeachbum]

Thanks, Roberta. I will do just as you say.

ROBB

[Roberta]

You can cut a bit below the brown area and see what it looks like inside, to try to save the eyes at the base. But if there is any sign of the rot progressing, you do need to be sure to get it all.