Black spots

[burz]

Are these the typical black spots everyone refers to with zygos or a diesese?

[Brazilin]

I think it is probably sunburn, but im not totally sure.

[Vanda lover]

I get spots like these on my brassia hybrids. I'm not sure of the cause but I suspect a virus.

[burz]

I can go with the sunburn answer because the older leaf with the most spots received direct sun and the younger got less direct sun.

If it is a virus are there any signs besides the spots to verify a virus or is testing the only way to know?

[WhiteRabbit]

I'm thinking fungus, maybe?
Sunburn doesn't usually create spots like that ...

[burz]

The black spots are sunken in if that helps. I'm embarassed to let it get this far but when I first got the plant last year it had some spots and when I repotted it it really got worse and I also put it in direct sun which it did not like.

I thought the combination of repotting and direct sun right off the rip was the cause along with improper culture. Also I read somwhere to not get water on the leaves which I did. There has always been ample air flow around it so I really didn't see the harm. In another thread someone stated that stress is the main reason for the spots on zygos.

I haven't seen anyone's photos of the "spots" that looked this bad. And the ones I did see I couldn't really tell if they had the sunken in feature to them. But I'm sure everyone's culture was far better than what I had to offer as it was purchased in my first Batch of orchids. Thanks for taking a look everyone.

[ALToronto]

If zygos are anything like stanhopeas, then water drops on the leaves will cause localised fungal or bacterial infections, leading to black spots. I used to mist my stans before I realised how much damage I was causing.

Spider mites can also cause sunken spots, but they will turn yellow first, and then black. Usually spider mite damage is on the underside of the leaves.

[Vanda lover]

Originally Posted by ALToronto

If zygos are anything like stanhopeas, then water drops on the leaves will cause localised fungal or bacterial infections, leading to black spots. I used to mist my stans before I realised how much damage I was causing.

Spider mites can also cause sunken spots, but they will turn yellow first, and then black. Usually spider mite damage is on the underside of the leaves.

i agree with you. it could very well be caused by water on the leaves.

[NYCorchidman]

I read a lot about people talking about zygo spots, but my only zygo do not have any.

I highly doubt this is a result of sunburn.
Mite damage will be in much smaller spots than these, and they can appear either side of the leaves although red spider mite damage are mostly on the underside of the leaves and the upper side will just show the rusty (or silvery) look though not as bad as how the underside will look.

[james mickelso]

It is either fungal black spot or bacterial black spot. From water on the leaves? Maybe but a good systemic spray would help. It is not viral. Stop watering your plants from above. Only water the media. Go to St. Augustine Orchid Society - North Florida Orchid Growing for more info. There's a good disease thread at the top of the beginners section.