Phrag Issue

[CariC]

Hi everyone. This has been on one of my phrag leaves for many many months now without advancing. But suddenly, the side of the leaf is turning brown and there are spots elsewhere on the plant. Does anyone know what it is?

[OrchidsPlz]

i have a few phrases that do this at the tips. i think it can form from over fertilizing but I'm not sure. just cut the leaf off if it spreads closer to the crown.

[CariC]

Thank you for the info! I've been spreading earthworm castings on it every three months. Do you think this is too much?

[OrchidsPlz]

i have no clue... lol... i have never used worm castings before.

[ALToronto]

This is not from over-fertilization. It's either fungal or bacterial, and you should cut all infected tissue out with a sterile blade, and dust the cuts with cinnamon.

Overfeeding causes dry brown leaf tips, while this is wet and mushy.

[Ray]

Cari,
Instead of top-dressing with earthworm castings (that works much better with soils than orchid media), try putting about a cup of them in a gallon jug and filling it with water. Let it "steep" for a week or so, and the "worm tea" will be a much better inoculant. You really cannot overuse it, but keep in mind that it is a fertilizer additive, not a fertilizer.


Ray Barkalow
firstrays.com

[CariC]

Thank you, Ray. I appreciate the advice!

AlToronto, the area isn't wet and mushy at all. It's completely dry, which is why I haven't been concerned.