Black spots on white Phalaenopsis?

[nananikki]

My White Phalaenopsis has tons of big beautiful blooms on it but has tiny black spots on the bloom itself. This is the second time it has bloomed and the spots have appeared again. It looks like mud has splattered all over it. Does any one know what this is and how to cure it. My other orchids that are sitting in the same area are fine.

I am a novice orchid grower and know absolutely nothing about growing these plants, but still manage to have beautiful blooming orchids!

[Charles]

Genetics. Many Phals have those spots by design. Check Google for a picture of the hybrid and you'll be able to tell what they are.
Relax. Enjoy your orchids.

[littlefrog]

I doubt it is by design. Usually it is by botrytis, a fungal pathogen that puts little black or grey spots on your white flowers. It may put spots on other color flowers too, but you see them best on the white ones.

I see the most botrytis when it is hot and humid in the greenhouse. Like the last couple weeks. I cut several dozen spikes last weekend that had nice flowers except for the spots, can't do much with them.

Keep your air movement high (increase it, if you have little air movement). You could try spraying with a fungicide before the spots appear (I don't use many fungicides myself or I'd give you a recommendation). Unfortunately once you have the spots, you may as well cut the flowers off because they won't get better.