Black spots on phal leaves

[MuscleGirl'sHobby]

Yes, the terminal spike will develop into a full flower spike, but the plant won't bloom again. You can hope for a keiki off the spike though

As for orchid viruses, I have the AOS book about viruses and pest. Some of the pictures aren't the greatest as many are black and white. I do a lot of internet searches to find pictures of orchids with known viruses. If you're concerned, you could test it, but most test only test for a few of the more common viruses. Critter Creek Lab does it, and there is Agdia where you can order test strips.

[Shirley]

Originally Posted by MuscleGirl'sHobby

Yes, the terminal spike will develop into a full flower spike, but the plant won't bloom again. You can hope for a keiki off the spike though

This is the first I've heard of a terminal spike on a phal. How does one recognize it, and will the plant definitely never bloom again?

[RosieC]

Originally Posted by Shirley

This is the first I've heard of a terminal spike on a phal. How does one recognize it, and will the plant definitely never bloom again?

A terminal spike is one which comes out the center of the leaves, where you would usually get new leaves.

On a Phal it signals that the Phal will stop growing new leaves after it has gone and will not bloom again.

If you can get a keiki from the spike you can grow a new Phal to replace it.

[Shirley]

Thanks for the info, Rosie. I realize now that I've had a few of these over the years but didn't understand the significance. We never stop learning, do we!

[Gin]

If you set the Phal. aside and continue the care it might grow a basal off set ( new plant ) from the base of the old plant some will do this fairly fast some are very slow ..
Here is a link with some virus info . http://www.ont.co.za/virus_diseases.htm

[Florida_guy_26]

For those of you who do not read much about viruses in orchids, and do not think flowers will show viral infection- about 75-80% of all orchids infected with certain viruses can and will show color break- uneven distribution of coloring on petals and sepals and even the lip. color break can happen because of extreme temps and temperature fluctuations as well, but if temps are constant, it would usually be caused by viruses. Keep this in mind when the blooms open.

[MuscleGirl'sHobby]

I just thought I'd put my two cents in here after the ordeal I've just begun to go through. Since I've just recently tested some of my plants showing similar, but less drastic symptoms, and they were positive for cymbidium mosaic virus. The plants I have that tested positive showed NO symptoms in the flowers what so ever. They just had the black necrosis which appears on both sides of the leaves. In one plant all it showed up as was a couple small specks, but they were indeed black. They started (and were worse) on the bottom of the leaf, and made their way through to the top.

I'd highly suggest testing the plant. At least get it away from your other plants until you know for sure. Better safe than sorry in my mind Good luck.