First Cymbidium- Virus?

[Izzie]

I broke every single one of my purchase rules today.
This plant is decidedly NOT compact, and is a noid. Bad Izzie. But it does have a faint fragrance!
It followed me home from the grocery store. I couldn't say no! This lovely lady was three times the size of all the other cyms there!
From what I can tell, there will eventually be five (make that six, I just found another tiny one starting.)spikes. Two in full bloom now, one with fat buds, and two that are just starting.
There are also (i think) three new leads.



HOWEVER. I worry about the leaves. I've seen this kind of mottling in some of my plants (and those of others) that tested negative for viruses. But I just want to be sure, since I'm not at all familiar with this alliance. What do you think? Virus or just random anomaly?


New lead #1


Spike with fat buds- I'll probably cut off that spotty leaf to the left.


New spikes?


Other two leads


And the scary leaves. The mottling is only showing up so strongly here because it is backlit. Otherwise, it's not this obvious.

A close-up

I can provide high-res photos of these last two if you want more detail.



Here are the blooms. Yes, they are the right way up- guess it decided to be resupinate.



Please let it be virus-free!



ETA: The tag says it was grown by Westerlay Orchids.

ETA2: There is no mottling on the younger growths. It's only on the oldest pseudobulbs.

[Izzie]

Also, another thing I'm always uncertain about. How do you guys "clean up" new plants to be sure that they aren't bringing in any unwanted guests? I was thinking of flushing with soapy water or a neem oil solution or something..... :/

[Call_Me_Bob]

I use was told to use a neem solution for bringing inside. And " if it is safe for roses, it's generally safe for orchids"

Lovely color!

[Izzie]

Thanks Bob.

[Call_Me_Bob]

No problem! Kinda like a parrot aren't I?! Repeating everything I'm told. At least I can be sure that information is correct

[Connie Star]

That is one gorgeous plant! How do I get one to follow me home?

[WhiteRabbit]

I suspect that is older foliage on it's way out - that said I am far from an expert on viruses. The only way to be certain is to have it tested. Tho, myself, I wouldn't be overly worried, especially as new growth looks good.

I haven't had problems with unwanted guests on plants from stores - I would imagine the suppliers would be pretty careful on that front, tho maybe that's just naivety on my part. A pot soak in soapy water, and spraying plant with your choice of what ever you use on your plants for critters - try to keep it away from blooms, and if using neem oil, be careful of the buds. I think neem is ok on smaller buds, but if they are closer to opening could damage them.
And you may already know, but in case not - if you use any oil based product (neem included) make sure your plant is not in the sun til the product has dried ..

[Izzie]

Originally Posted by Connie Star

That is one gorgeous plant! How do I get one to follow me home?

Go to a supermarket the day after they arrive so that you have the first pick of 'em while they're still in good shape.

[Izzie]

Originally Posted by WhiteRabbit

I suspect that is older foliage on it's way out - that said I am far from an expert on viruses. The only way to be certain is to have it tested. Tho, myself, I wouldn't be overly worried, especially as new growth looks good.

I haven't had problems with unwanted guests on plants from stores - I would imagine the suppliers would be pretty careful on that front, tho maybe that's just naivety on my part. A pot soak in soapy water, and spraying plant with your choice of what ever you use on your plants for critters - try to keep it away from blooms, and if using neem oil, be careful of the buds. I think neem is ok on smaller buds, but if they are closer to opening could damage them.
And you may already know, but in case not - if you use any oil based product (neem included) make sure your plant is not in the sun til the product has dried ..

Did some research and this supplier (westerlay) gets almost all of their orchids(baby clones) from Australia and Japan, which I hear are pretty good about viruses. And after looking at Westerlay's webpage, seems like they have a pretty good operation too.

I ended up flushing a few times with neem solution, and then flushing with fresh water after a half hour to get the smell out.
BUT! Imagine my surprise when none other than a little earthworm squirmed out of the top of the mix! Of all things. I squeaked a little when I saw this little red thing poke it's nose out. He got put in the garden.

[Izzie]

Just noticed.....this REALLY reminds me of a slightly lighter version of Cym. Eikoh. : Cymbidium Eikoh at Santa Barbara Orchid Estate