wart-like spots on BLC. Hawaiian Stars

[doggie doc]

Hi All,
I am a neophyte orchid fancier - and have a plant that suddenly developed blotchy leaf discoloration post-bloom. It is a BLC Hawaiian Starts 'Paradise' (B. little stars x LC Mem Robert Strait). I purchased it off the "must-go" table at Lowe's about 16 months ago as a next-to-dead plant. Being a newby, I figured it would be a good practice effort (nothing to lose, right?). I brought it home, potted it in terra cotta with coarse orchid mix.

Last summer it put out 4-5 new bulbs/leaves; last fall 3 flower spikes of 2-3 blooms each; last flowers just faded maybe 2 weeks ago?; Roots are firm, pale white/green, and healthy looking.

As the blooms began fading, the leaf color went from an even green to lightly mottled. Now distinct yellowing to dark brown spots have formed - some coalescing - which bulge from the back surface of the leaf (see pics - sorry for the quality). Spots appear confined to the original leaves of the plant (new growth still appears healthy). I can find no evidence of insects, though my experience is limited to mealybugs.

The plant is housed in an indoor greenhouse - temp roughly 65 evening, 75 day, 12 hours full spectrum light daily, 55% humidity, watered every 7-10 days, fertilized with Jack's monthly during the winter, bimonthly during the summer.

Am I dealing with a virus? Should I just chuck the plant?? This is such a bummer after seeing it in glorious bloom only a month ago, and feeling like maybe I was the "orchid-whisperer" for saving the pitiful thing.

[Zoi2]

From your pictures it kind of looks like edema. How is your air circulation in the greenhouse?
Joann

[ryrycochinco]

I think you might have a fungice infection.Not terrible news considering you spotted it early. I would start by cutting off all the leaves that have the blemishes. If all the leaves are infected I suggest you use a sharp steril blade and scrape off the "pimples" and disinfect the area with rubbing alchol or any other plant safe disenfectants. good luck

[Gin]

are the spots dry ? if so and not spreading i would not cut into it . I agree with Joann a type of edema sometimes caused by erratic watering before you got it .. does not look viral to me .

[doggie doc]

Gin and Joann,
Yes, the raised spots are dry to the touch - the lump effect is below the surface of the the leaf.

Concerning air circulation... I had a fan running 24/7 until early January, when the temps took a plunge and I worried the fan might be causing more of a draft than just circulating the air. Hhmmm - guess that was the wrong move. Fan is now back on - just repositioned.

As far as unevening watering - another coincidence! I just returned from an extended vacation during which my mother was put in charge of orchid care. Despite showing her my flush-thru watering technique, she confessed she thought that was *wasteful* and watered only until water started draining out the bottom of the pot (which is practically immediately). Everything was DRY when I returned - so it makes sense that a heavy watering later, the leaf lesions became dramatic.

Looking at pictures of edema online, what I am seeing looks EXACTLY like it. Wow - 5 orchid books, and none of them describe edema. Thanks so much for the input!

[Gin]

You are very welcome ! That is what I like about the OB can find out things that the books don't have listed . Gin