Oncidium w/extreme spotting...

[MuscleGirl'sHobby]

I recently got this oncidium. I've had it for a little better than a week and there has been no change for the better or worse. I've repotted it, and that's it. It arrived in the pictured condition. Some leaves are heavily spotted, while others are untouched. Can anyone help me out? Virus? Bacteria? What to do?

I thought I'd be safe buying from somone downsizing their own private collection, but it's also noteable that this plant arrived smelling STRONGLY of cigarette smoke.

[whygreenberg]

Perhaps other's here can confirm, but it looks to me like maybe spotting from being misted. Oncs do not like their leaves getting misted.

[MuscleGirl'sHobby]

Originally Posted by whygreenberg

Perhaps other's here can confirm, but it looks to me like maybe spotting from being misted. Oncs do not like their leaves getting misted.

I considered that, as I've induced some spotting on my own oncs without intending it... but nothing even close to the spotting on this baby! To be safe, I have kept it in "solitary confinement" and it is directly under a fan.

Thanks for the quick response. I'll patiently *taps foot* await other responses.

[JennS]

It looks like regular spotting to me. Do you grow indoors or out? I never thought about it being from water because I live in Florida and everything dries out within a couple hours due to the heat. I always thought it was "sun" spots, like Vandas tend to get. However, I only have a couple oncidiums but they all have some spots that have never caused any issues (they still flower nicely and keep growing).

I would think that since the pseudobulbs look healthy and plump it should be ok. If you repotted and the roots also looked good, I would not worry, but keep it quarantined (sp?) for the recommended time period just to be safe.

[(..._...)]

My sharry baby has that. I have read it is from high light.

[whygreenberg]

Update...It seems like High Light is getting the vote! Misting will be giving a concession speech later today.

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[caseydoll]

I can't help much but I wanted to tell you that I have an oncidium that has this too. I can't remember if it came like that or not. On mine every single leaf has it but mostly on the undersides. It's so uniform that I just thought it was supposed to be like that! Mine is growing under pretty bright light and I did move it down from the lights a little to see if that helped. It didn't but I think it still could be from high light since it still gets a lot of it. I've had mine for a year now so I know it's not affecting it adversely. Hope that makes you feel better.

[addictedcountryman]

i agree with jenn. I know some of my vandas have it and some other oncidiums. It doesnt really spread or get better, but it doesn't see to actually hurt the plant. Maybe orchids get Freckles too.

[Ross]

I don't agree with the high light theory. I get the same thing on certain intergenerics and I am convinced its genetic and nothing to worry about. I don't mist. The plants are lighted with CF bulbs and some south window light (certainly not full sun) and still, every leaf has this same spotting. My "voice in the wilderness" is don't worry about it and enjoy the blooms.

[caseydoll]

I'm so happy this question was raised. I always wondered about it but since it didn't affect anything I never thought to post about it. I always thought it looked kinda cool! Glad to know that my freckled oncidium is not alone.