Black Spots on New Masdevallia

[ikaika1]

Hi All,

I am sad that my first post has to be a plea for help!
I've had a NOID phal that I've taken care of for about a year which has done well so recently I decided read up and pick up some new orchids.

I just received a Masdevallia from Andy's Orchids and here is the scenario. Upon taking the plant from the box I noticed several of the leaves are covered in small (pinhead to slightly larger) black spots. After unwrapping the bubble wrap from the pot, I felt that it was covered in slimy green (algae/moss/mold?). The whole thing was very very moist, which I guess is understandable as Masdevallia is a moist growing plant.

I read up on the forum about bacteria and fungus and quickly rubbed the leaves with a very fine coat of cinnamon as it was the only antifungal I had around.

I have 2 multi-part questions, I guess:

1) What is this stuff? Is it a bacteria or fungus from having hung out in a very moist dark space for too long? Should I be buying Phyton 27 (seems crazy to spend $20 on a bottle of something to save a $20 plant that shouldn't have had this problem when I received it)? How long will it take to clear up if I decide to buy some?

2) Should I contact the vendor? I am pretty upset that I basically got a plant that is heavily spotted. One of the leaves is drying out (new growth) and one of the other leaf tips had been clipped on both sides before it got to me, which leads me to believe the plant may have had issues before it was shipped.

I've never ordered orchids before, so I don't know what is acceptable in this sphere. Obviously plants are living things and growers have issues now and then, but I find it really disheartening to get a plant in this state, especially after the good reviews for Andy's I saw in the forum.

Thank you for your help all!