Cattleya green emerald "orchid" queen BLACK DOTS - Orchid Board

Lorizb · #1 07-06-2010, 06:00 PM

I am getting these spots on my leaves, I dont know what they are or from, so i can't do research to cure it. any advice is appreciated. thank you. Lori

Junebug · #2 07-06-2010, 10:55 PM

From the photos it looks like some type of bug infestation. Can the black stuff be wiped off?

RobS · #3 07-07-2010, 02:45 AM

The spots on the bulb (old back bulb) is a fungus I've seen this before on old bulbs. The old bulb can just be removed. I'm not sure if the black spots on the leaves are the same looks unfamiliar to me.

Lorizb · #4 07-07-2010, 10:03 AM

Thanks for your reply Junebug and Robs,

no the black stuff can't be wiped off its like its growing from inside, i will take a closer look and take some better pictures. how and where should i snip the old bulb? i moved it to my little patio...it's rainy season down here and i am wondering if that plant is getting too much rain. i thought it might be ok since it was trying to regrow roots, i replanted a while back and it had ALOT of rotting roots from the place i bought it. i had a problem with it getting "wrinkly leaves" too. also what type of sun do they like? i'm a beginner....thanks for the help you guys!

Eyebabe · #5 07-07-2010, 10:42 AM

I have lots of catts and have not seen anything quite like that yellow spotted shriveled pseudobulb....get that sucker outta there with a sterile blade. I'll go with Rob's statement that it is a fungus.
Because the black spots on the leaves to me look similar but less dense, with a green leaf for a base as opposed to a yellow pseudobulb, I'd be tempted to cut those areas off as well.
Finally, I'd treat with something for fungus since the condition seems to be affecting several areas of the plant.
Make sure your potting media is fresh and drying appropriately for catts.
Increase circulation around the plant or move it to an area with better circulation.

RobS · #6 07-07-2010, 12:11 PM

Use a high bark / with some charcoal mix for cattleya's it allows for regular watering but still having the roots dry between waterings. I personally like terracota pots to helps the plants dry even faster. For the sun considering South Florida I'd go with a shade house or similar. Direct sun in the early morning later afternoon is fine but for mid dat I'd put something like 40% shade.