Gray-brown spots on Phal. violacea coerulea leaves?

[CPKidofAugusta]

I recently bought a Phal. violacea var. coerulea from Carter and Holmes and only after I got it home did I notice that all but one leaf has gray-brown spots, and that leaf has had the majority of it removed, which I can only imagine that means it's not a new problem with this plant. I also feel like I might make a mistake in diagnosis, since I've never had to treat diseases before so I don't know what I'm looking at or for. Is it damage from water standing on the leaves? Is it a disease? Or is it a reaction from having too many people stare at it while it was sitting on the display bench?

Also, since it has a developing flower bud, should I wait for that to bloom so I can see if symptoms express themselves in the flower or cut it off to avoid stressing the plant?

[RJSquirrel]

Water spots where the sun was magnified thru them and burned the dark spots is what Im thinking. The crinkly leaf was caused by growing the plants too close to each other and it didnt have room to spread.

This kind of damage doesnt repair. It will have to grow new leaves and drop the damaged ones. That plant I would say is 4 -5 years old. So you know how long it will be for a new crop of leaves, 4 -5 years. Enjoy the bloom

[CPKidofAugusta]

Thanks for the reply RJ. Water damage was the first thing to come to mind but I didn't really find a whole bunch of information on water damage but tons about bacterial rot so I've become slightly paranoid. I'm going to be keeping a close eye on it just in case.

[AnonYMouse]

Any damage will compromise the tissue. Wipe the affected area with rubbing alcohol, brown listerine or the cinnamon concoction.

[orchidsarefun]

I would e-mail those photos to C&H and let them know that there is an issue and ask them what they propose as a resolution.

[Island Girl]

^+1 yea, Carter & Holmes is a reputable place, they would probably be happy to help.

If you can find it, I like to use Gentian Violet, it comes in a small dark bottle, and you can find it at some drug stores (I've found mine at local, smaller drug stores, Walgreens doesn't carry it where I am) I just dab some on with a Q-tip... I've found little spots that water got on (more sensitive species Phals) the leaves, and was starting to look nasty bacterial, and dabbed some on, and it heals & dries right up, w/in a day or two... Done. Enjoy the blooms!

[Leafmite]

I hope it isn't anything bad. I would use isopropyl alcohol on those spots and really watch it closely though. Also, keep it away from any other orchids for a few days, just to make certain this isn't something that spreads. Good luck!

[kindrag23]

I am a die hard CH fan especially after my order yesterday, I would definitely call them and let them know that the orchid has some issues. I have called in the past to check on shipment dates and they are very kind. Hope your baby pulls through