Phal Malibu Merlot
 

I took the photo this morning and then cut the spike off. It was covered with scale. Ugh! Time to break out the Bayer. It had 16 flowers this bloom cycle. That is the highest flower count it has ever had. Unfortunately it may not be around much longer as I suspect it has a virus. If it tests positive I'm tossing it. It's really a shame. I've had it since 2006, and it is my oldest living orchid. :(

http://www.orchidboard.com/community...t_sp_13_2_.JPG

What symptoms make you suspect a virus?

I liked the beautiful blooms, but :( to the scale and suspected virus. Did you get any orchids or new plants lately that could have been the scale carriers?

I like your Merlot! Too bad about the scale, hope the Bayer works on it and keeping my fingers crossed for you that it's negative for virus. It would be a pity to lose it after you've had it so long.

Judi

:(( :(( :((

I've had an ongoing issue with my Phals, though lately it seems to be getting better. What I'm seeing is leaves developing small chlorotic spots which then progress to a larger necrotic areas. Eventually all these spots merge together to make for a really ugly looking leaf that eventually dies. I think (heavy on the maybe here) that it is PhCSV (Phal Chlorotic Spot Virus) related to Yellow Bean Mosaic Virus. I really need to send samples for testing, but have been too busy to get the samples together. Some of the plants I want to test are so small that I really don't want to cut off any leaf parts.

There haven't been any new plants introduced for a couple of years. I've recently been cautiously replacing things I tossed earlier. I am now really careful about how I'm handling the plants. I'm flaming my cutting tools, washing hands between plants, sterilizing pots and trying to make sure the plants aren't touching each other.

I have no idea how or when it came in. I suspect it was around the time I was trying to grow Masdies. They are now gone. I don't know. It really doesn't matter now, the damage is done.

It's beautiful! So sorry you had to cut off the spike :(
Hope it's negative on the virus - I know it would be hard to trash one you have had so long.

I really hope it isn't a virus

I hope the best for you as well. Your description does fit what you suspect though. or another close possibility is that micro fungus thing??

some of my "healthy" phals that have been growing and flowering fine are now showing some strange stuff on their leaves too and I have no idea. could be virus or physiological.
lighter color along the edge or toward the tip of leaves. and one leaf has this lighter green mottling all over.

such headache!!!!