My (fungal? bacterial?) discount Masdevallia- are they sensitive to chemicals?

[bethmarie]

A plant from the discount table isn't the best way to break into a new genus, but heck.

This is my first Masde, and beyond knowing that they like humidity and air movement and don't like to dry all the way, I don't know much.

This one came from a reputable local orchid nursery that carries A-Z and has a nice set up for the Masdevallia orchids, most of which look great. I don't know why this one is so bedeviled, given it was in the same conditions as the others. The plant is veitchiana x coccinea, btw.

I have not yet repotted, owing mainly to being ridiculously behind on just about everything.

Please share your hard won expertise, including what is safe to spray on this to clear up the leaf blecch.

& thank you, as always!

[Roberta]

Since the nursery seems to know what they're doing with regard to the genus generally, I'd suggest asking them for advice. How long have you had it?

Masdevallias are fairly sensitive - in particular they like good water. But in general, you don't want to spray anything until you know what you are treating.

[estación seca]

In my limited experience, those spots are not fungus, not bacterial. This is what happens when a Masdie experiences too-low humidity, gets too hot or gets too dry.

Both parent species are cold to cool growers.

Cloud forest plants of all genera tend to be highly sensitive to water purity, and chemicals. I wouldn't spray a Masdie with any chemical unless I knew exactly what I was treating, I knew for sure the chemical was appropriate for the problem, and I knew the chemical was safe for the Masdie.

You should be using RO water.