Would love to hear what you think about this! - Orchid Board

HighSeas · #1 10-07-2013, 09:26 PM

These two orchids were given to me and to be honest, I took them because I didn't know how to say no.

Anyway...me thinks they are sick. Question is....what do you think it is? I've seen this pattern somewhere before on a journey into pathology. Can't remember what it is. I have an idea but didn't want to get crazy with them until I asked someone to take a look. Thank you all so much for your input.

Here's the first one.

DSC00648 by Ephesis, on Flickr

Same plant with what is obviously a sunburn:

DSC00649 by Ephesis, on Flickr

Second plant:

DSC00653 by Ephesis, on Flickr

Same 2nd plant:

DSC00652 by Ephesis, on Flickr

2nd plant again:

DSC00650 by Ephesis, on Flickr

Wild Orchid · #2 10-07-2013, 09:45 PM

Mites?

RosieC · #3 10-08-2013, 08:00 AM

The first picture reminds me of one of my Bulbos which I have recently decided might have mites. Unsure if the other images are showing the same thing or not.

tucker85 · #4 10-08-2013, 08:27 AM

I think you probably have several things going on. The first picture looks like Mesophyll cell collapse which can be caused by several things. Very cold water on the leaves can cause it or mites may also cause it. I agree with you that the second picture looks like sunburn. I don't know what would cause the dark leaf. Use a moist white paper towel and wipe the undersides of the leaf. If you see tiny red dots on the towel, it would indicate mites, and you would need to treat for them.

RosieC · #5 10-08-2013, 09:11 AM

I'm just wondering if the dark leaves on the last pictures are also due to the sun. I've seen something similar in plants that are close to sunburn but not quite burnt.

HighSeas · #6 10-08-2013, 10:18 AM

Both plants were treated by my friends friend. When they were given to me, like I said, I really didn't know how to say "Thanks but NO THANKS".... so I took them home and immediately treated for both fungus AND mites. I inspected them and could find nothing. AT some time in their past, both were covered in mites.

I agree with you guys though....I think it's a combination of untoward effects!

The major concern I have is the first plant. Notice the circular elongated "rings" on the left half of the first picture? (they are arranged up and down) The second picture shows another ring, although much larger and encircles the sun burn.

I've seen those rings in a picture somewhere and can't find it now.

Meanwhile, I keep them separated from the others and although I've treated them, I have concerns about a virus. Haven't seen any blooms yet so I can't assess for that in terms of any effects on the flowers.

Have you seen circular patterns like that before?

tucker85 · #7 10-08-2013, 10:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HighSeas

Both plants were treated by my friends friend. When they were given to me, like I said, I really didn't know how to say "Thanks but NO THANKS".... so I took them home and immediately treated for both fungus AND mites. I inspected them and could find nothing. AT some time in their past, both were covered in mites.

I agree with you guys though....I think it's a combination of untoward effects!

The major concern I have is the first plant. Notice the circular elongated "rings" on the left half of the first picture? (they are arranged up and down) The second picture shows another ring, although much larger and encircles the sun burn.

I've seen those rings in a picture somewhere and can't find it now.

Meanwhile, I keep them separated from the others and although I've treated them, I have concerns about a virus. Haven't seen any blooms yet so I can't assess for that in terms of any effects on the flowers.

Have you seen circular patterns like that before?

I know what you mean, circular patterns can indicate a virus, but I don't think that's what it is. Just sterilize any tools after using them on those plants. Give them a little TLC and hopefully they'll be fine.

euplusia · #8 10-08-2013, 05:35 PM

Both plants show symptoms, but it doesn't mean that they are sick today. Often these symptoms do not allow to refer to one sure single cause, this means that various causes or a combination produce similar symptoms.
My first idea is a damage of cell structure or mesophyll cell collapse or edema. We see this when plants were grown under imbalanced conditions, too low temperatures, too much water, suddenly too high temperatures, and weak cell walls by a lack of calcium and/or magnesium, which can also follow a bad root system.
A virus infection is also possible, but even a strong healthy looking plant might be infected. A virus is not highly contagious and measures of precaution are always indicated.
I think you can give them a chance, with proper growing and fertilizing over one or two years. Eventually then you can check the flowers. If flowers are malformed with colour break, discard them.
As long as you keep them separated, there is not much reason to be concerned. Time will tell.