Black spot on Dracula mopsus leaf

[kikuko793]

I just got back into orchids after a spider mite infestation wiped out almost my whole collection. I just got a Dracula mopsus at the local garden show a couple of weeks ago and it has black spots on a few of its leaves. Draculas are beautiful, but tricky. What are they, and do they look like something I should be concerned about?

[Leafmite]

Your Dracula might have been in bright light and warm conditions. Draculas like shade and, for most of them, humidity and good air-flow. I would not worry too much. The tricky ones are usually the cool-cold growing ones.

I have a Dracula papillosa and I find it easy to grow potted in a basket pot/NZ moss that is set on top of rocks in a clear, heavy vase. The leaves are just below the top of the vase and the vase is open. I keep water on the bottom, below the top of the rocks. The only problem is that the roots have grown down into the rock and the spikes come from the side of the pot so while I can easily see the flower through the vase, photographing them just doesn't work well. You can probably find a better solution.

[kikuko793]

So the spots might just be sunburns? I've seen something similar on the Cattleyas I used to have.

The vase is a really good idea actually. I might try that. I do have a big shelf with grow lights and humidity trays and basins of water with foggers, but it still isn't super humid.

[estación seca]

Not many people will be able to grow Draculas on a windowsill. Most need cool weather and all need very high humidity. The people I see growing them successfully use greenhouses or terrariums.

[Leafmite]

I think I will be needing a wider vase, actually. The spikes/flowers are a bit tight and there is new growth. Does the mopsus put spikes out the bottom, too, or just the sides? That might be a consideration on how you grow it.

If yours is getting enough humidity with the foggers, you might be okay without enclosing it. I don't have experience with foggers so I cannot even guess at the humidity. The vase method is just sort of a humidity tray with high sides that go to just above the tips of the leaves. :|

So, the spots really won't hurt the orchid. Mine is doing just fine and, as said, blooming and getting new growth, growing roots down into the rocks below...so happy. Mine isn't as heat tolerant as yours seems to be so I think you have a good chance of being successful with it. Good luck!