How will I know???

[libby]

I have a young dendobium that I am pretty certain has a bacterial thing going on. It has wet looking, sunken brown spots, and unfortunately, it had spread to all the leaves before I noticed it, therefore I don't think cutting them off is an option. Most of the spots are on the undersides of the leaves - taught me to look more closely. I have moved it away from all the other orchids and I am treating it with a systemic drench and wiping the leaves with rubbing alcohol (I read someplace on here that someone had good results with that). Assuming it survives all this, I know the spots will not go away. My question is, how will I know when this is cured and when is it safe to put it back with all my other plants? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[JennS]

Can you post a picture of the plant and spots in question? The description does not sound good though and treating it with a fundicide sounds like a good start. I decided to watch one for a couple of days after seeing some mushy looking canes and two days later it was completely obliterated. Keep a very close eye on it and watch for any spreading.

You will probably have to wait at least a few weeks before putting it back with the other 'chids. It is better to wait and be safe then risk spreading an infection.

[libby]

Thanks, Jenn. I haven't taken the time to figure out how to post pictures yet, but the spots look just the ones in this thread.

http://www.orchidboard.com/community...ent-cause.html

I hope it's OK if I borrow this guy's picture. Sorry to hear about your plant. The canes on mine still look good, it just has spots on the leaves.

[JennS]

I would follow Ross's advice on the previous post. Get Thymidol (not sure if i spelled it right) if you can, and in the mean time, try the alcohol. If you can post pics before you treat it, someone might have a better guess at what it is exactly. Good luck!

[Ross]

Originally Posted by JennS

I would follow Ross's advice on the previous post. Get Thymidol (not sure if i spelled it right) if you can, and in the mean time, try the alcohol. If you can post pics before you treat it, someone might have a better guess at what it is exactly. Good luck!

That's Thiomyl . And alcohol might serve in mean while. Thiomyl will act on the surface of the leaves as well as being taken up through an active root system. I have an Aerangis in my tank I am treating right now for, essentially, the same thing.

[libby]

Thanks, Ross. Just to clarify, you spray the leaves and drench the roots with Thiomyl? How often? Also, how do you know when this is cured and is safe to put back with your other plants?

[Royal]

As mentioned on the linked thread, this could be due to cultural issues. Treating it is in order, but you may want to scrutinize your culture. Could have been just a weaker plant that couldn't fight it off, but if it's lack of air or something like that, you might want to make a few adjustments.

[Ross]

Yes, spray the leaves to the point of drenching. Pour solution through the mix till it flows out the bottom. I don't think it serves any purpose to seperate the infected orchid. Rot doesn't spread like that (I might be wrong, but I've never seen this happen).

[Ross]

Originally Posted by RoyalOrchids

As mentioned on the linked thread, this could be due to cultural issues. Treating it is in order, but you may want to scrutinize your culture. Could have been just a weaker plant that couldn't fight it off, but if it's lack of air or something like that, you might want to make a few adjustments.

Ooh! I love cross posts Whether the plant was weak or had bad culture might not be the issue so much as can it be saved. With Thiomyl, the answer is not always. The plant must have an active root system for chemical uptake. Orchid leaves absorb chemicals very little. Spraying the leaves just coats them so any lesions might be treated. I agree with the other advice.

[JennS]

Thank you Ross and Royal, I knew it was just a matter of time before someone with real advice came along. Sorry I could not be of more help, but I am glad you two could! Good luck and let us know an update!