Oncidium ampliatum brown areas

[lithopgirl]

I'm new to OrchidBoard, but have been growing orchids for more than a decade--mostly phals and paphs. Recently, I've expanded my collection to include many other genus. Last month, I picked up an Oncidium ampliatum (Turtle Shell Orchid) at a seller in Texas. When I got it home, I realized it had snail damage (chewed roots) and large brown areas on the bottom of most pseudobulbs (I assume it was planted too low in the pot). I use Agdia ImmunoStrips on all my new orchids, and it tested negative for major viruses. The brown spots are not soft--they feel turgid like the rest of the pseudobulb. What are the brown spots, how do I treat it, or is this guy a lost cause? Thanks.

[estación seca]

Welcome, lithopgirl! There is a forum Totally Off Topic where you can show us your Lithops, too.

The reddish speckles you see on the pseudobulbs are normal on this plant when it is in good light. A lot of Oncidiums develop reddish-brown areas at the base of the pseudobulb with age, as well. So long as it is not soft, I would not worry.

The snails are a bigger problem. They can crawl out of the pot and attack your other plants. People use different methods for them, but most people put a single snail bait pellet on the surface of the potting medium. Cats tend to leave snail bait alone, but dogs may eat it.

Some people will submerge the whole pot and plant and wait for the snails to surface, then squash them.

[lithopgirl]

Such good news! Thanks Estacion Seca! I repotted it and gave it a Physan dunk to get rid of snails. The snail bait is a great idea, thank you!

[estación seca]

Physan is a weak germicide. It won't kill snails.