Need Cattleya Diagnosis-Black sticky stuff!

[rochelle@58]

Hi there -
Here are some pics of a cat I just noticed today had a problem. There's a sharp line on the pseudobulb you can see (new growth) and its really sticky and I wonder if anyone can help me figure out what I need to do.
Thanks so much - (sheath is bad too).
P.S. I took it out of the greenhouse as soon as I noticed it and I just hope it doesn't spread.
http://www.orchidboard.com/community...1&d=1409797309
http://www.orchidboard.com/community...1&d=1409797309
http://www.orchidboard.com/community...1&d=1409797309

[dougr]

I have the same problem and think it is fungus. Spraying alcohol and rinsing off with water did not help. Sorry that I have no answer.

---------- Post added at 08:18 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:49 AM ----------

My orchid book identifies this as Sooty mold: a black fungus and excreted by aphids, etc. It does not harm a plant but is unsightly. Mine does not wipe off so it may be something different.

---------- Post added at 08:31 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:18 AM ----------

Lars Kurth posted this link on his thread about pests ...Orchid Diseases. He is very helpful and generous with his orchid knowledgr

[rochelle@58]

Thank you Doug!

[Oscarman]

Looks like mold growing on sap excreted by your plant. I have had the same as showing on your dry flower sheath. Nothing spread or caused any harm.

Excellent link dougr on orchid diseases! Thanks

[isurus79]

I see nothing unusual or damaging. Looks like normal Cattleya growth colors to me.

[katrina]

I agree w/Steve...I see nothing wrong or unusual w/your plant.

It could use a repot to get those roots down in medium so they don't dry out so much but other than that it looks perfectly healthy.

[rochelle@58]

Thank you one and all! I'm still fairly new at this and I tend to panic lol! Great relief! And as far as the roots go I was waiting on it to bloom(?) and then I intend to get right to it. Hope you all have many blooms for helping a newbie