My suggestion is to get a viral test done (expensive).
If you decide to test for virus, and it comes out negative for viral infection, then it's probably a genetic disorder.
Also, if it doesn't test positive for viral infection, I recommend repotting in bark with maybe a thin layer of moss on top instead of repotting in full on moss. If you must use moss, at least add something like charcoal to give the roots more air.
I also recommend getting quality plants. The mass produced hybrids that are ailing aren't worth saving. They're, like I said, mass produced. I can tell you this because I've worked for a large and well known orchid nursery that gets large shipments of Phal and Cattleya hybrids from Taiwan (as in 1 or sometimes 2 sixteen wheeler trailer(s) full of boxes containing these plants) and distributes them to other nurseries and hardware stores or supermarkets throughout the US (yes, they distribute to places like Hauserman's and the Home Depot, Trader Joe's included, just to name a few, although if you actually visited the nursery you wouldn't have guessed it). And to give you a clue as to who they are, this nursery is located in Montclair, CA which is a little city in Southern California about 45 minutes away from Los Angeles.
I've also done my own personal research on cloning as a means to enhance my orchid hobby skills.
This kinda goes along with the practice in the tropical fish hobby where if you see a sick fish in the pet store, pass it up. It sucks, but in the end it's not worth it for more than one reason (there's a lot of personal and ethical issues involved).
Last edited by King_of_orchid_growing:); 08-26-2009 at 03:09 PM..
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