Help with identifying disease - orchid 1

[tarajane]

Hello everyone,
I am a orchid newbie.
My beautiful mum who was a passionate orchid lover recently passed away, i now have them all in my care.

This is orchid # 1 that i am concerned about.

If someone could comment on the disease of this plant and let me know what approach to take with it and also tell me how much light cymbidiums like and how much water.

I recently repotted it with new medium (pre made orchid mix of bark etc, included some perlite, charcoal and some peat) i gave it a good clean out and removed all the dead roots. have i chosen the right medium ?

It seems to have a tiny new growth on one of the bulbs.

I removed the dead sheath on the bulbs and this was what was revealed.

I have sprayed the orchid with a Yates fungicide and also a pest spray given to me from the local nursery and separated it from the others.

If anyone has any advise that would be wonderful as the orchids mean a lot to me

With kindest regards,
Tara

[euplusia]

The tiny white spots are probably insects/scale.
The black discoloration looks like a fungus disease to me, which will not be present on the new growth when proper cultivation is given.
The medium should work well. When established with strong root system you can give a lot of light, water and fertilizer (slow release granula) when in active growth. In the rest period lower temps and less water are advised.

[AnonYMouse]

It looks over potted to me. I would use a much smaller pot.

[orchids44]

I am so sorry for your loss. Mum's are very special.
The black definitely looks fungal/bacterial. Since you have received a new growth after applying Yates fungicide I would treat with Yates, two more applications, about 10 days apart.
Happy Growing !

[tarajane]

Thank you , in regards to the scale. Do i just use the pesticide for this ? And do i try to rub it off gently ?

Kindest regards,
Tara

[orchids44]

Tarajane,
I am not convinced the white spots are scale.
It is best not to treat 2 issues at the same time. I hope someone out there can diagnose it properly. I would continue with the Yates product since you've had a positive outcome already.

[lepetitmartien]

Scales and fungus for me… And the pot is inadequate, way too large.

Is it a Cymbidium? If so, a pot high but a little larger than the plant would do it good. There's a cultural issue here, so the way is cared of should be scrutinized or it won't save it in the end.

[Cym Ladye]

This definitely is a Cymbidium and not overpotted in my opinion. It also definitely has scale. I do not know if you can obtain in Australia a product called Bayer 3 in 1 Miticide/pesticide spray? It is available over the counter here in California. If there is an equivalent for scale in your country, it will be what you need as you have a severe infestation. Alcohol and cleaning the bulbs and leaves will not stop it although it may slow it down.

A fungicide will not kill insects or bacteria. An insecticide will not kill fungus or bacteria. Be specific in what you use for which problem. There are some sprays which combine to get all three. Just read your labels carefully.

Good luck

[tarajane]

thank you so much i will try and find the bayer 3 in 1.