Strange "dots" on Phalaenopsis leave

[Gin]

Looks to me like insect damage as you mentioned .I would just watch the spots to see what they do if anything . Maybe dab the spots with some peroxcide . No use cutting if they stay the same . Gin

[Blueszz]

I agree with Gin. Now I have seen good pictures from the dots, don't cut anything! Could be insect damage or blisters, but doens't look like a spreading infection to me.
If you see changes you might want to upload a recent picture from the dots, but I wouldn't cut leaves if it stays as it is now.

Nicole

[myblue66stang]

I have the same raised "dots" on one of my older phals. They seem to be more like blisters. They leak if poked. They do not seem to hurt the plant. It has new growth, roots, and flowered again this past season. I just left my guy alone, and it seems to be fine. The "dots" were on older bottom leaves that recently dropped. Now there are just a few on the middle set of leaves. It seems to be correcting itself.

Cindy

[Sarah_bee]

Hello Anthony,

I was curious whatever became of this? I have a very similar problem taking place right now and can find no information on it anywhere. It is more advanced, There are more spots than what I see in your photo, but the description is identical. In fact, your photo is the only thing on the internet that I can find that matches! Thanks

[lepetitmartien]

Originally Posted by Anthony

Hi Nicole, I've taken pictures of the raised dot on the old leaf. It does look a bit the same as the pits.

I'll cut off a part of the leaf and treat the wound with cinnamon.

My best guess would be that it's a wound caused by some kind of insect that drills a small hole in the leaf which then infects.

(I'm writing about the spot with the dry center.)

I've had similar "spots" on one of my Vanilla. It occurs on normal summers only (that is, not in 2014). So either it's a kind of stress issue, or an insect occurring only at that time.

I've marked similar marks (with variations) on vanillas at the Serres d'Auteuil in Paris, and at Chèvreloup (orchid collections of the MNHN). I've asked the gardeners in charge but they are at a loss too.

I've never seen this on my phals, even those close and near similar conditions (save light).

Now, I've marked two different ways it appears on leaves:
- On my Vanilla, the spots are making a line about 15-20 mm from the edge of the leaf.
- On other Vanilla I've seen and a case someone asked me about, the spots though of same figure, were irregularly placed all over the leaf.

It does not evolve on my Vanilla, but I've seen it evolve on the others that makes me think there may be blisters, and a fungus either the cause or invading thru the wound. It then looks like a brown crater.

My 2 cents for now

[orchids44]

My guess is phalaenopsis mites. They're microscopic and suck chlorophyll and nutrients out of the plant. They are very destructive and usually attack the lower, older leaves first. I have treated with Bayer 3in1 - 3 applications, 7-10 days apart with success.
Keep us posted.