is this a Virus

[neb]

I just received this RHYNCHOSTYLIS gigantean and some of the leaves have small black spots. I have only been growing orchids for about one year and this is my first Rhy. The last is one of the good looking leaves

[Tsuchibuta]

I'm no virus expert but its possible but then again it may not be. I have an ascocentrum I got from motes orchids and it has similar coloration and he said that it's normal. Though I never tested it he is fairly well known so I trust him. But, you can test for the cymbid and odont viruses fairly cheap now.. about 5 bucks a test. However it could be any number of other viruses as well. Somebody that grows these can probably clue you in a little better. Sometimes when it bloom you can tell if it has a virus if it has color breaks or speckles.

[ronaldhanko]

This is not a virus, but merely the pigments (acanthocyanin) in the leaves showing itself as a result of the good light the plant has been getting. All plants that are not truly albino have these pigments and good light brings them out, just as it does in the skins of a human being. Virus usually shows itself in yellowish streaks and deformations of the leaves.

[orchideric]

Dear Neb,

Ronald is right - this is not virus. Strong light, cold temperatures, or underwaterng all can bring out purple pigments (anthocyanins). This is one of the reasons that red Cattleyas bred from Sophronitis coccinea and blue Vandas always produce better flowers in the winter rather than during the heat of summer. Especially in red Cattleyas (SLCs) the flowers can be night and day based on ambient temperatures.

Hope that helps, Eric

[neb]

Thank all of you so much. I wasn't too concerned but now I do have much more piece of mind