Howera Lava Burst "Pacific Sunrise" spots on its leaves

[Heatherandorchids]

Hi, All.
I picked this orchid up a couple of months ago at an orchid show and it was doing pretty well adjusting to its new location, and even is showing a new pseudobulb! Then, about 4 weeks ago I noticed a couple of small transparent-ish spots on one of the leaves. In the last week the number of spots have exploded.

It has been sitting in a bright, open room with some direct sun and regular watering. I had been misting the leaves occasionally in addition to watering the medium weekly, but have stopped misting.

I am posting photos both from above and from below (to see the damage more easily).

I have isolated the plant and used isopropyl alcohol to wipe off the leaves, but I'm not sure what direction to go next. My thoughts were maybe spider mites? Or a disease? Or water damage? I'm lost.

Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!

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[estación seca]

Welcome to the Orchid Board!

Spider mite damage doesn't look like that. Did it have the large light green spots before you sprayed with alcohol? Sometimes alcohol will damage already sick tissue and look like that.

If you suspect spider mites, run a tissue under the leaf from stem to tip. Spider mites will leave red or brown smears. If you have them, you can spray with any one of three things:
70% alcohol;
1 tsp / 5ml liquid dish detergent in 1 quart / liter of water;
Plain tap water, if you spray hard enough. It knocks them off the plant. They don't climb well.

Another kind of bug may have bitten your plant. It does look like the trouble starts at small bite marks. If the damaged area doesn't spread, I would just leave them alone. It may dry up and turn brown. If the damaged area spreads, cut off the leaf. Sanitize the tool between cuts. You can put dry powdered cinnamon on the cut surface as an antifungal and antibacterial, but always keep cinnamon off roots.

[Heatherandorchids]

Thanks, Estacion! I did notice the wider light spots got worse after I used the alcohol, it's good to know that's expected.

I will give it another day and try the tissue under the leaves to check for mites. Do you think it would be a good idea to rinse the plant anyway? I am noticing some more small spots pop up, and now all the leaves are showing several spots.

Thanks a ton!

[estación seca]

If you wiped with alcohol, the spider mites are likely gone. It can take a while for the damage to show up, though. I would continue to observe the plant for changes, but not do any more treatment.

[Heatherandorchids]

Sounds good, will do. Thanks again!