Brown areas on Phragmipedium besseae leaves

[Ghosthunt64]

So, I've had this Phragmipedium besseae 'Big Bob' x 'Colossal' for a while now and it has recently taken off in light of the fact that I'm actually taking care of it now. This plant has had these brown spots for a while but I had always assumed that it was simple mechanical damage. Now, though, they appear to have become a little soft & sticky. I'm going to assume that whatever it is, the prescription will be "chop off the parts that are doing that, sterilize the wound, and see what happens," but I'd still like a second opinion...

[tucker85]

I agree that the leaf that's turning black should be cut off. I would also recommend assuring that there's good air movement around the plant. A ceiling fan or a portable fan can help. Also make sure the plant is getting plenty of calcium during growing periods. Adequate calcium builds strong cell walls that resist fungus and some insects. Use a fertilizer that contains calcium and magnesium or use a supplement.

[Ghosthunt64]

Originally Posted by tucker85

I agree that the leaf that's turning black should be cut off. I would also recommend assuring that there's good air movement around the plant. A ceiling fan or a portable fan can help. Also make sure the plant is getting plenty of calcium during growing periods. Adequate calcium builds strong cell walls that resist fungus and some insects. Use a fertilizer that contains calcium and magnesium or use a supplement.

1.We plan on it.
2.There's a vent under the windowsill that I kept closed because I had heard that most Orchids aren't a fan of it, but apparently that's not the case. I've opened it now.
3.I had been using predominantly GrowMore 20-10-20, but perhaps I should use CalMag 15-5-15 once a month or more?