NoID Dend with black and yellow spots :(

[LoveTheLittleOnes]

Got this one 2 months ago, it was in full bloom so I decided not to repot. Then it shot out 2 lovely new canes which have been growing rapidly, so again I put off the re-pot (the plastic pot is just sitting in the ceramic one). It was in a south facing window with high light for 3 hours of the day (the rest of the time it's shaded), but it does get quite hot in the sill. I noticed a new leaf yellowing so I moved it away from the window 2 weeks ago. The leaf has since died and dropped off, and overall its getting worse... I'm hoping that I've just been abusing it with too much light or mineral deficiency and that its not a virus… or fungal rot? I'd really appreciate some feedback! Worried about anything spreading to the rest of my plants
Thank you in advance for any input!!

[LizB88]

I don't know what it is, and if it was my plant, I would re-pot check the roots, disinfect them, cut the damage part of the leaves and treat the cuts with cinnamon. The reason is because you are loosing leaves of the new growth and if it is not sun damage then it may be something else. It may even be mineral buildup, so better to repot and give it fresh media.

[LoveTheLittleOnes]

Originally Posted by LizB88

I don't know what it is, and if it was my plant, I would re-pot check the roots, disinfect them, cut the damage part of the leaves and treat the cuts with cinnamon. The reason is because you are loosing leaves of the new growth and if it is not sun damage then it may be something else. It may even be mineral buildup, so better to repot and give it fresh media.

Thanks LizB88, I'll repot today and give it a trim today. Should I cut the mature leaves with the yellow rims as well, or just the really sick ones? I'm wondering because almost all the leaves have yellow on their edges, and there wouldn't be much left of the plant left if I cut it all... Also, it's in pure sphag now, and I was finding it was drying out quite quickly in the window, but now that I've moved it should I put it back in sphag because thats what its used to or would a bark mix be better? Thanks again and wish me luck!!

[LizB88]

Originally Posted by LoveTheLittleOnes

Thanks LizB88, I'll repot today and give it a trim today. Should I cut the mature leaves with the yellow rims as well, or just the really sick ones? I'm wondering because almost all the leaves have yellow on their edges, and there wouldn't be much left of the plant left if I cut it all... Also, it's in pure sphag now, and I was finding it was drying out quite quickly in the window, but now that I've moved it should I put it back in sphag because thats what its used to or would a bark mix be better? Thanks again and wish me luck!!

I would only cut the really sick ones. And if the roots look compromised I would use new sphag, just soak it first, that way you will have minimal root loss. I only change from sphag to bark straight away when I have lots of new roots and can afford to loose older roots in the process. Otherwise I use a combination of sphag, coconut husk, bark and perlite. Place it in a area with little or no direct sun, just light.
And good luck Den orchids are very resilient.