Brassia Rex Sakata

[Faz]

My Brassia Rex Sakata has doubled in size (leaves only). All the leaves are now covered with a brown substance that looks like cinnamon dusting. Even the new growth has this cinnamon like coloring. The leaves are strong and don't seem to have any fungus or rot, but I have no idea what this discoloration is that is on the leaves????? Should this plant be treated? I would like to find out what this problem is so I can possibly right the wrong. At the moment I have isolated this plant hoping someone could help me with my dilemma. All leaves look strong and vigorous except for this cinnamon coloring.

Please help.......Thanks....Faz.

[Jorch]

Does the 'coloring' rub off? Do you have a picture?

It sounds like mites (false spider mites?) by your description..

[Faz]

Originally Posted by Jorch

Does the 'coloring' rub off? Do you have a picture?

It sounds like mites (false spider mites?) by your description..

http://www.orchidboard.com/community...163=1237938163

It looks like someone spilled cinnamon by mistake on the Brassia

Regards......Faz.

[camille1585]

Some type of rust fungus maybe? When you wipe it with a tissue does some if it stay on the tissue? If it does, those could be the rust spores. If there's nothing, well, I'm trying to think what else it could be!

[Faz]

Originally Posted by camille1585

Some type of rust fungus maybe? When you wipe it with a tissue does some if it stay on the tissue? If it does, those could be the rust spores. If there's nothing, well, I'm trying to think what else it could be!

I rubbed it with a wet cloth and this rust or whatever it is does not come off......I am completely baffled.

[orchidegg]

was the plant sprayed with any chemical recently?

[treefrog.ink@gmail.com]

Hi Faz,

I joined this forum solely because no-one to my surprise identified the spider mite problem that is so established on your plant. (with all due respect to the one member who suggested that it might be spider mites) This is a 'very' advanced infestation as recognized by the damage. The 'cinnamon' colour that is wiping off is the actual mites themselves. The damage to the leaf is left behind. I am aware that the thread is a few years old at this point and hoping that you were able to resolve the problem and that the plant is still with you.

Although I am a new member I have been growing for nearly 15 years and have a collection predominately of species (mostly paphs and asian cymbidiums) - but 50% of my plants are diversified and include nearly all genera. I haven't counted but I am over 500 and under 1,000 plants and they are grown in a greenhouse conservatory. I only add this to aid in my credibility -again- I am a new member.

Spider mites are immune to insecticides and cannot be seen without higher-powered magnification and are therefore impossible to identify unless you are familiar with their presence.

to kill spider mites -into 1L water sprayer- mix 30ml Hydrogen Peroxide (3%-H2-O2) ~ and 30ml 70% Isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol ~ and 5ml soap (dishwashing SOAP - IVORY suggested - DO NOT USE DETERGENT)

It's a contact killer so is required to be applied every 2 weeks for a couple months to kill generations (likely overkill but better to be safe. Spray all leaf surfaces and make sure you get em all. A single application will kill adults and juveniles but will leave the eggs unaffected.

I've tried numerous treatments for spidermites on my collection until I discovered this magic-solution.

Previous research: Neem oil was my first choice and on application it killed -probably 25%- of my collection (I think in hindsight, suffocating the roots - works on plants but not orchids planted in open medium)

Hope this helps, Faz - and too hope this thread helps others faced first-time-with this nasty little (invisible-to-the-naked-eye) @#@%^*% PEST!!!

[euplusia]

Welcome , treefrog, and I hope you stay with us here on the board. What you grow sounds like a great collection, and I hope you will show us some of your plants. Well, it is an unusual way you choosed to introduce yourself.
I am also convinced that the Brassia was suffering from a severe mite infection. Thanks for the suggested possible treatment.