help with disease ID

[rbarata]

I might have to destroy the neostylis orchid as it seems virused.

Don't mean to alarm you but I think virus is highly contagious.

[hanzy08]

It is that's why I'm thinking of just getting rid of the plant =(

[rbarata]

Well, once again I don't want to alarm you but... I was thinking about the other plants you have.

[hanzy08]

it's a bit sad letting the plant go cause it looked nice if it didn't have the virus.

[rbarata]

If you can't test for virus, isolate the plant and treat it as if it was a virus. Don't use the gardening tools you use on this one on your other plants, such as cutting tools, pots, etc. If you soak it when watering don't use the same recipient and water.

[hanzy08]

The plant and it's flowers before the virus manifested itself.
[IMG][/IMG]

[jkofferdahl]

Originally Posted by hanzy08

The plant and it's flowers before the virus manifested itself.
[IMG][/IMG]

I believe I was the first one who cried VIRUS! but I would still urge real caution, especially if the Neostylus is dear to you. Totally isolate it, but don't toss it. While it's isolated, approach it as though the problem is fungal, treat it, and give it an opportunity to recover. Maybe even have it tested (but use a good, established lab NOT named Critter Creek). However, if you can afford to lose it then the most expedient thing to do may be to destroy it.

Orchid viruses are constantly fretted over, and when they do infect a plant they can quickly ruin an entire collection. However, I think that there is a lot of panic about viruses which may be unnecessary. As we've already discussed here, other issues can have very similar symptoms yet from which an orchid can recover with a bit of extra TLC. More often than not, what people worry about with a single plant ends up being something other than a virus.

In the end, it's your call, and not one I'd want to make.

[Orchid Whisperer]

I agree with jkofferdahl.

My first post in this thread, I offered the opinion that this could be fungal (new opinion: specifically my guess is Phyllosticta). In my second post I agreed that plant is the safest option if you suspect virus but are unsure.

IF IT WERE MINE . . . I would treat for fungus while in isolation.

I am very careful with flame or chemically sterilizing cutting tools, sterilizing pots, etc. In 30+ years growing orchids I have had/treated several plants with bacterial or fungal infections, never had a plant succumb to a disease I thought was a virus.

[hanzy08]

Ok so i pulled it out from the trash and already isolated it. I will treat it for fungal infections and will do an update in 3 weeks or so.

[rbarata]

While there's green there's hope!