A sick orchid

[Bubbach]

This is my mother-in-laws orchids. She was asking me what is wrong with it, I thought it might be a sunburn but now I don't think so. She lives on the gulf coast Mississippi. If anyone could tell me what is wrong with it I would appreciate it. She also said she has lost two others like this,the leaves eventually turn Brown and fall off.

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[AnonYMouse]

Insect damage? What does the underside look like?

---------- Post added at 09:06 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:01 PM ----------

It wouldn't hurt to wipe down the leaves with the cinnamon concoction or just plain rubbing alcohol.

[Orchid Whisperer]

I am not sure from the photos.

If I had no other information on location or culture information, I might guess that the plants had been outdoors whien it was too cold, leading to leaf tissue damage (mesophyll collapse).

Spider mite damage is another possibility. Do you see anything that looks like tiny spider webs on the leaves? Also, try taking a paper towel, moisten with rubbing alcohol, rub the leaves; does it come back tinged with red? If yes, that indicates mites are present. If so, you should use a control method that is specifically intended for spider mites. Pesticides for insects should not necessarily be expected to also take care of spider mites; you need something that works as a miticide. Neem is a relatively benign treatment option, check the label and see if the neem product you can get lists spider mites as a pest that is controlled.

A final option: you mention she lives on the gulf coast. How close to the coast? Get any sea breezes or salt spray there? It could be salt spray damage.

I will offer another suggestion (not asked for). The pot the orchid is in is way too large. Re-pot in a container that is very well drained (many holes) and smaller (maybe half that size) that will barely fit the roots. Use a medium to coarse potting mix, such as "orchid bark".

[dounoharm]

my first thought was salt spray also....or possibly using 'softened' water? ditto above....good luck!