PLEASE HELP! Possible Disease??

[tawnimartin]

Hello-

I recently aquired a "Dracula" Orchid a few weeks ago. It is not in bloom. It has these black spots on it that seem to be getting worse, and have lost two leaves already, which were a yellowish color and soft by the end. I have only used fresh rain water and it is in a bark/fur mixture. I examined the roots before trasplanting a few weeks ago and there were no signs of fungus or rot/mold. I have lots of experience with Paphs and phals, but am quite intimidated by this one. Does anyone have any idea what this is? and if so what I should by to help this poor thing.

Thank you all so much!

Tawni

[tcrane]

Dracula's like it very cool - what are your growing conditions? Might be too warm/too bright.

-Tristan

[nenella]

I am no expert as have not got any of these. .. Orchids normally lose their 'bottom/eldest' leaves. I have had spots like that appearing when the leaf stays moist and doesn't dry up fast enough? or too much sun?
Your spots don't look that bad to my inexperienced eyes....
Hopefully someone with experience will chip in here.
All I can say is keep on watching closely as you are and have a look at the roots if it gets worse.
Keep us posted!

[silken]

I have a masdie that got terribly spotted from heat stress. But it didn't seem to spread, once I corrected the conditions.

[tawnimartin]

Thank you all who have posted so far. I try not to get the leaves wet when watering. And if so, I dry them with a paper towel. The window it is in has pretty bright light, but never direct. Maybe I can just put him in a window that is a little darker? The temps are usually around 60-68 f, maybe its too cold? As far as drainage, I feel its pretty good,...like I said, its in that bark mix. I let the water run through completely, and try to wait until it is almost dry ( about 12 days or so depending).

Thank you all so much again. I just wasnt sure if I should buy some kind of pesticide or something :/