Virus on recently purchased orchid?

[Sébastien Rivest]

Hi everyone,

I just received a Stanhopea I recently purchased and one of the two leaves (the oldest) have irregular yellow spots and circular patterns (see attached file). As far as I know, those patterns are characteristic of viral infection, but the seller told me that it is very unlikely since he don't grow other orchids.

So, I need your help to know what is responsible for those patterns. The seller assured me that a viral infection is very unlikely, but I don't want to take the risk of infecting my other orchids.

Thank you for your help!

[Orchid Whisperer]

It certainly could be a virus. The only way to confirm is testing. I'm not sure where you could do that in Canada.

Since the seller doesn't grow other orchids, where did he get it, and where did he ship it from? Stanhopea is an unusual genus to be the only orchid plant the seller has grown. Did he acquire it legally?

I think you would be justified in asking for a refund. Don't be too surprised if you can't get the seller to agree.

[dounoharm]

stanhopeas tend to hang on to those old leaves, and it could be the aging process....during their lifetimes. people spray chemicals of all sorts on them...there are bugs wandering thru, even birds.....I think a photo of the entire plant, including all the leaves would be more helpful in deducing virus or disease.....

also consider....are you a home hobby grower? do you have intentions of developing seed, or propagating to sell? if you do, then you should be worried about spreading virus thru your seed or flasking…..if you don't, and you just enjoy the plants and flowers for yourself, then there is no worry. the viruses show themselves in color break on the flowers....if the leaf offends you, cut it off!

most of us just want a pretty flower and we work hard to get them. of course if you plant looks very sick, kindly ask for a refund and send that plant back....kindness achieves more results than anger....peace, man!

[Roberta]

i strongly suspect that's just aging of the Stanhopea leaf - they are semi-deciduous, and the leaves can look pretty ratty before they drop. The newer leaf looks fine. In most cases, the only accurate determination of virus is testing, which may be more costly than the plant. If the pseudobulbs are plump, the plant is fine, let nature take its course.

[Sébastien Rivest]

Thank you for your help! I grow orchids as a hobby and I am not really worried about having some ugly leaves. My worry is more that the plant contamine my other orchids and that I end up with a bunch of sick and dying plants. For the moment the Stanhopea is isolated outside. The pseudobulbs look fine.

[DeaC]

I'd second Roberta's comment. I've only 4 Stans and have had this happen on mine. However, new growth is beginning and even a spike. I'm no xpert but do my best as these are spectacular blooms. Good luck.