phalaenopsis problems

[surtees]

Hi guys, I have 2 moth orchids 1 yellow and 1 white growing in my room. thy are both in the same area, but1 of them (the yellow orchid) has developed some yellow markings and a small black dot on its newly grown leaf. I treat both orchids the same. same amount of water, fertiliser and due to both being in the same location, same light and humidity. I have had these orchids in these pots for a couple of years and in this location for a couple of year. they have bloomed in this location and gone through a previous growth cycle with no troubles. this is the first time anything has gone wrong. I have included pictures of both orchids and would like to know what has happened and how to fix it please. thanks

[Sharon's Sheepdogs]

From what I can see, the roots on the phal you are concerned about appear healthy. Sometimes small innocuous marks develop on orchid leaves but they are not a reason for concern unless they enlarge or start multiplying, turn brown or black etc. If you have any physan20, try adding a 1/2 tsp. per gallon to your water in case you have a rot trying to take hold.

I would keep my eye on the yellowing of the leaf though. If it progresses and you do not see any external problems on your phal, I would pull it out of its pot to check the root system. If you find any dead, mushy roots you may have something developing. Let us know if the leaf continues to yellow and what you found when you checked the roots so we can help you with it.

Hopefully other members will respond if they feel there is something else going on.

[Dollythehun]

To me, the first looks like physical damage of some sort. I would agree with Sharon but, in addition, I would look at the trace minerals in my fertizer. I know I was deficient and those deficiencies took awhile to show up. Maybe John will weigh in on this too.

[jkofferdahl]

My GUESS is that it's physical damage, though it's possible that the physical damage was caused by an insect. Use an alcohol-impregnated cotton pad to wipe it down and see if there's any sign of anything bug-ish on the pad. If you don't see anything of concern, just keep an eye on the area and don't worry unless the damage expands. Also, don't worry if part of the leaf browns.

I don't know anyone who grows Phals with perfect leaves.

[surtees]

As far as physical damage goes i have a parrot that probably flew into it and damaged it. She fell in front of that window before and scratched an earlier leaf. I was just concerned about it in case of disease.

[surtees]

The fertiliser i use is manutec orchid food year round. I feed it the regular amount on package while flowering and twice as much when in the growth period. I dont fertilise at all during winter when it appears to go dormant. Roots are all fine, very healthy looking. I water twice a week during warm months and once a week when cooler. The coarse bark helps prevent over watering. I was thinking of repotting both orchids together in a nice display piece like the once seen online. When could i do this to ensure there is no pest or disease problems that can spread? The last thing i want is to discover its a disease when it spreads to my other orchid. Any ideas?

[Dollythehun]

Generally report when new growth starts and they are out of flower. However, phals aren't fussy. If they have been growing together in the same space all this time, if one has something, they both have it. And as John said, few of us have perfect leaves.