Help leaves blackening!!!! - Orchid Board

saltydog7seas · #1 07-29-2008, 06:49 PM

I've been watching this forum for awhile, unfortunately my first post is a very worried one for help. I have over 80 orchids with of all varieties sitting together. I had a cattleya that was getting ready to bloom with 4 buds out of one sheath. I kept watching in anticipation. Then I noticed one of the buds falling off. I saw the leaf turn slightly dark in a little area. I am in central FL and it has been raining here almost everyday. I was worried that maybe they were getting too much water. Today I noticed black on a lot of the leaves of only my cattleyas. Also the new growths have turned black on a lot of them. The cattleyas on the other side are fine and the dendrobiums and cymbidiums in that area also appear fine. The big cybidium is even slightly shading some of these cats. I have moved them all back away from any light in case it is sunburn. Can anyone tell if that is what it is for sure?

Please help

BikerDoc5968 · #2 07-29-2008, 09:01 PM

Of course the first thing one thinks of is fungal since you are in a hot location with lots of water/humidity. Then there is the risk of sunburn. Maybe alittle of both....sun damage allowing for fungal growth with all the water....just a guess. If the damaged areas are wet, ie, soft and smelly, then fungal or ???bacterial??? I'm sure someone with more experience will chime in here....soooooon I hope!

saltydog7seas · #3 08-03-2008, 02:07 PM

Well, I guess it was pointless to join this forum. I just cut all the black I could find off to be safe.

BikerDoc5968 · #4 08-03-2008, 02:35 PM

It is with great saddness to read your remarks about this board. I'm just a member...nobody in management but I am sorry you feel this forum hasn't met your expectations. I belong to other orchid boards and for me personally this place is just great...and the people who usually respond are just too much for words and are what really make this place what it is. I trust you might revisit us in the future.....

Swamper · #5 08-03-2008, 02:48 PM

I can understand your frustration about not getting help. But sometimes timing is everything, like who is logged on when you ask a question. I have seen some experienced members bump their threads if noone has responded. I like Doc feel this is the best forum around.
Having said all that. Sounds like you did exactly what I would have done. Cut them back. Treat the cuts. Ask more questions.

saltydog7seas · #6 08-03-2008, 03:42 PM

I just checked today and it has spread to my other cats. I'm going to lose all of them if I already haven't. I am about in tears. So far at least 12 are infected with whatever this is. The leaves are all turning black and rubbery. Sorry if I came across a bit harsh I've just spent years and a lot of money collecting and nursing these guys and I think I'm going to lose all of them.

Swamper · #7 08-03-2008, 03:50 PM

It's ok. So lets keep this going till a more experienced cat grower comes along.
1. You already made cuts.
2. Have you treated for fungus?
3. Have you treated for anything?
5. Any sprays, solutions.
6. Are they all close together? Can you separate the infected ones. Is there ventilation?

saltydog7seas · #8 08-03-2008, 05:03 PM

The best source I could find close was home depot the woman there suggested fungicide 3. So I just tried it on one. I have brought all of the infected ones into my back porch and turned on the window ac unit near them, not directly on. I am pretty sure it's a fungus because I am starting to smell rotting plant matter. I just can't believe how quikly it came up. Like I said, last night I cut all of the black off. Today there are some withwhole leaves that are black that didn't even have it yesterday. All of the ones that got it are within a 3-4 ft. area. The odd thing though like I said is that no other species seems to be affected bythis. there are cybidiums dendrobiums phaels and others all in between and around these. An so far that cats on the other end haven't been affected. The closest other cat to the area is about 4 ft away. I think all of the rain we had got really got to these guys and they just have not had a chance to dry out. I just don't know if I can save them.

BikerDoc5968 · #9 08-03-2008, 05:11 PM

Here is something else you can try. I don't know where you live or exactly your growing setup but if you or someone you know belongs to to Sam's Club go there and in the janitorial section you'll find a product called ProForce. It is very similar to Physan 20 or RD-20... about 1 to 2 teaspoons/gal of water (read label)and spray everything BIG TIME! And I mean everything...pots, plants, medium, shelves, benches, even anything you use to water your plants....everything. Do this early in the AM so all will dry. I have used this sometimes to alternate what I use as a disinfectant, and it hasn't harmed any of my plants. It is used in hospitals to disinfect countertops, etc. I suggest this because it is something you can get quickly and not have to wait for snail-mail....and it is cheap! Also, not that you have to be told, but make sure your cutting tools are clean!

Swamper · #10 08-03-2008, 05:12 PM

just keep treating them. it sure sounds like fungus with t he smell. I would think of repotting only because Im not sure everything is still soaked in that medium. I only have about 5 catts and they are in partial shade, lots of breeze. 3 are mounted on a big piece of driftwood with no medium, 1 is mounted on a rock with no medium, The last one is in the pot it came and it has bark like yours and I am always a little nervous about it because its close to my vandas and Im afraid to overwater,so Im always extra careful with it. If it was mine I would check those roots, they may be screaming for air.