Cymbidium virus or fungal issue?

[jai_star]

Age old question and I know the only way to check for virus is through a testing kit however where I live these are very hard to come by.

I'm hoping experienced growers on here would be able to shed some light on this cymbidium which I won through an online trade. When I opened up the package I was shocked to see that it could have a virus!

After my research on the internet and close examination of the plant I'm not sure it's virus.

Some key points from my observation:

• The blackened areas on the leaves are pitted and irregular
  
• The damage has a bronze / yellow tone surrounding the blackened tissue
  
• The newer leaves which formed last seemed to be less affected
  
• The plant appears to be in good shape and vigor and is putting out two new growths
  
• The flowers are perfect - no streaks or deformities

I have given the plant a good spray with Physan an and currently isolating it away with my collection

I know if it's a virus there is no cure and to discard but I will be devastated as the flowers are so unique on this cymbidium

If it is a fungal / bacterial infection it will tell when the new growth shows signs of not being affected?

I will keep treating the plant with Physan and carefully remove the damaged leaves to prevent spreading to the new growth. I just like to keep it on for now as it is still feeding the plant.

Any advice please and I have uploaded pictures for reference.

[Roberta]

I suspect that it's fungal or bacterial... Cyms tend to get ugly leaves. As long as the new growths look clean, this is probably "old business'. You are right to keep it "quarantined" for awhile - if it grows well, that reduces the odds of it being virus, which tends to sap the vitality of the plant. But that's just a guess... if you can get your hands on test kits, you would know for sure what you're dealing with . For now, just observe.

[rbarata]

Comparing your photos with my Cymbs' leaves, they look normal.
As Roberta said, Cymbs tend to have this sort of issues. As they are meant to be grown outside, that's ok.

[estación seca]

If you're a blackspotophobe Cyms are not for you.

[Ray]

Forget Physan. It is a topical treatment that may knock down the pathogen on surfaces, but it will do nothing for internal infections. You’d do better with a copper treatment like Southern Ag Liquid Copper or Phyton 27, among others.

I will also recommend regular use of plant probiotics to help prevent such issues.