Pot. Duh's Passion - Black Rot?

[BKFSRS]

I've already cut several sections with black areas off and treated them with cinnamon and sprayed with Physan 20, but the black areas keep returning. The plant has been outside this summer and has quite a bit of new growth and roots. I think I read somewhere that this is eventually fatal? Should I toss it now and get it away from my other orchids? Thanks

[Leafmite]

Is the infected area soft? When you use alcohol, do you swab down the entire orchid after you cut off the infected part (except the roots)? Bacteria and fungal spores can be transferred through the air and then attack a new spot of the plant. Good Luck!

[BKFSRS]

I never did anything with alcohol, just sprayed the whole plant with the Physan. But since I originally posted, it seemed to get even worse, so I threw it out. I have about 7 other Catts and didn't want to risk them getting infected. I'll keep and eye on them. They were all outside together this summer. Thanks

[james mickelso]

In my experience, and this isn't science, black rot and similar afflictions come about when it is wet. Wet leaves. Wet media/roots. These just seem to go hand in hand. I'm just sayin.

---------- Post added at 10:55 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:53 PM ----------

And when you cut off parts of the leaf with the black spot or area, cut well below the apparent affected area.

[Leafmite]

Sorry about the cattleya. I dealt with this a few years ago. With the other cattleyas, try to increase the amount of calcium. Good luck!