Leaf spots on NOID (Wilsonara?)

[Nick_M]

I bought this plant last fall when it was in bloom, and it already had some spots on the leaves, particularly the giant splotches in the middle of one leaf, as shown. Gradually, more spots appeared, including on new leaves. I've sprayed with neem oil and, later, Physan 20 without much success. What's going on here and how can I fix this?

[Izzie]

I think you might find some answers in this pdf about pests and diseases.
http://www.staugorchidsociety.org/PD...ySueBottom.pdf
It could be bacterial, could be a virus. I'm not experienced enough to know. I would definitely keep it separate from any other orchids you have.

Let's hope some other people chime in.

[sadiejoy08]

Could you post a picture of the roots? Definitely keep it separate from all of your other plants. If it's a bacterial infection, I may be able to help it out. If it's a virus, there is no cure. How often are you watering it and how are you watering it?

[Nick_M]

I water at the base of the plant using filtered tap once a week. Lately the temperature in my apt. has been around the 70s. I've attached some more views below, some are front/back. Last weekend was the last I'm spraying with Physan; I have a feeling it was helping create more spots.

[sadiejoy08]

I've done some research and I think it's a virus, for which there is no cure. A lot of people toss their infected plants. If you'd like to keep it, I suggest keeping it separate from all your other plants and never using the same tools on it and another plant. I don't think there's much else you could've done because you bought it already infected.

Good luck! It will probably still bloom for you.

Sadie

[WhiteRabbit]

I don't think this is a virus. Oncidium types are prone to being spotty. Not sure how concerned, or not, you should be. Some of the spotting looks like it could possibly be from damage from sucking insects, tho I'm not sure.
Oncidium types can also spot from build-up of minerals in potting media. And older foliage spots as the foliage begins to die.
Those large blackened areas would concern me the most - has it spread? It could be from water on foliage in cool temps, but I don't know.
If it seems to be spreading, cut off the affected areas. Use some cinnamon on the cut.
I hope people with more knowledge than myself can chime in - I just wanted to respond because I don't know how likely it is that this is a virus ...

[Nick_M]

I've seen mentioned elsewhere that oncidium types "just get spots." If that's the case, I'd be thrilled. Perplexed, but thrilled.

The spots do spread, and I've thought about cutting off the blemished parts, but that would mean hacking off most of the leaves, removing some completely. Would that be a smart move?

[WhiteRabbit]

Originally Posted by Nick_M

I've seen mentioned elsewhere that oncidium types "just get spots." If that's the case, I'd be thrilled. Perplexed, but thrilled.

The spots do spread, and I've thought about cutting off the blemished parts, but that would mean hacking off most of the leaves, removing some completely. Would that be a smart move?

I wouldn't cut it all off - there seems to be the one area with large blotchy black - You might cut off that.
If you haven't been - make sure to flush the media with plain water (no fert) at least once a month. If mineral build-up is a cause, this wont get rid of existing spots, but should help prevent them. How much do you fertilize?
Make sure foliage isn't wet long if there are cool temps.

I'm really not an expert, but trying to help out. I do grow oncidiums so have some experience with spotting, but it's hard for me to say when it's normal, and what is cause for concern.

[dounoharm]

i agree with white rabbit....no virus...just the onc spot syndrome....leave it be....

[Gin]

Ditto to Wabbit's post and dounoharm 's post they seem to get dings and dents .. Gin