Masdevalia leaves turn silver and black

[Vina]

My masdevalias did well for last years, never had any problems.
Suddenly last fall I noticed that some leaves turn first silver, or more precise - with some silver spots, underside turns brownish or black. Not dropping.
Does anyone have an idea where there is the problem?

[Gin]

It could be spider mites run a wet tissue under and over the leaves if it has colored smears on it that is what the trouble is . I have used Safers soap on mine with no problems but has to be done every 3 days for awhile also washing the leaves will help . Gin

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

It could also be a fungal disease.

I see this a lot with orchids that are freshly imported.

You could try to disinfect the entire plant and see if that works.

[Vina]

Originally Posted by Gin

It could be spider mites run a wet tissue under and over the leaves ......

it's already done. no smearing at all, no signs of any pests. That's why I'm asking.

These 3 plants, ar not newly imported. As I mentioned, for last 2-3 years they were perfectly ok.

All I can think of is fungal infection. Unfortunately

[Connie Star]

Sunburn?

[RJSquirrel]

my guess's are your media PH took a dive/spike.

you are using bark looks like and bark based mixes require more fertilizing and one with an emphasis on nitrogen. of course the bark breaks down faster and promotes fungal growth and has to be re potted at that point. Masdys in sphagnum dont need the high nitrogen bec inorganics keep it fresher.

if you are intent on using bark use larger pieces so you can have more fresh air around the roots which will inhibit fungal growth


worst case bean yellow mosaic virus. you should remove it from the rest of your orchid population and sequester the plant until you found out what it is, ,was, or the problem is resolved.

[Vina]

Originally Posted by RJSquirrel

my guess's are your media PH took a dive/spike.

you are using bark looks like and bark based mixes require more fertilizing and one with an emphasis on nitrogen. of course the bark breaks down faster and promotes fungal growth and has to be re potted at that point. Masdys in sphagnum dont need the high nitrogen bec inorganics keep it fresher.

if you are intent on using bark use larger pieces so you can have more fresh air around the roots which will inhibit fungal growth


worst case bean yellow mosaic virus. you should remove it from the rest of your orchid population and sequester the plant until you found out what it is, ,was, or the problem is resolved.

i gess this could be the case. Other masds growing in sphagnum dont showsuch problem. this explains also why for 3Y everything was ok, now media broke up and - voila! The problem!

...and - I think I noticed fungus gnats today. masds are repotted 3 weeks ago, can i use smth to fight those naughty gnats?

[RJSquirrel]

good deal the plants not lost, just need you now thats all...

I put the stikky no pest strips in the windows and then I can taunt them gnats some when they get caught

[Vina]

Originally Posted by RJSquirrel

...............

I put the stikky no pest strips in the windows and then I can taunt them gnats some when they get caught

I put those yellow strips last night. will see how they work. Thank you anyway!