Phal Gigantea Brown Spot on Stem
 

Hey, guys. Just received my first ever Phal Gigantea yesterday (well I got 2 because they were on sale lol). I noticed at the base of the stem on both PG's there's a brown spot. It's not dry, almost seems mushy. I'm assuming I received infected orchids. Thoughts on what this is and how to treat? Thought about trying to surgically removed the area and treat with cinnamon? Doesn't look like any black rot I've experienced but I've never had a Gigantea either so any advice is appreciated! Haven't even potted them yet. Wanted to get this under control right away. I live in N FL and am a primarily outdoor grower. Thanks much!

Before you do anything to them, email/call/contact the seller and let them know what you found.

Already did 😉 Haven't heard back. Hoping they can help out plus good for them to know so they can quarantine as needed etc

This is one plant I would never buy bare-root. They rarely survive that. It looks like collar rot. Go to the Web page of the St Augustine Orchid Society and look that up on the pests and diseases page.

It won't survive year-round outside in north Florida. It is a hot growing plant. Your winters are too cold.

Thank you. Collar rot is something I've never experienced so I will look that up right now. Definitely good to know on not buying these bare root as well. Yep I've got my warm weather guys inside already, prepping for the cold front! Great info. Thank you for this.