Cymb & BLC, any need for concern?
 

Hello again, just looking for some input on these 2 plants I got today. I went to my first Orchid Society meeting for my local chapter today. I was really glad I was able to make the meeting & participate. Anyways, they had a raffle with member donated plants & I bought 10 tickets & won 4 plants. Please see photos under my albums.

First was a plant marked BLC Chocolate Drop. I have heavy concern for this plant. I don't know much of anything about BLCs but it looks concerning. I don't want it to be diseased & spread to other plants.

First, the leaves. The leaves have a heavy wilting to them, black tips & look concerning. Next are the stems/stalks. They have like brown spots & darker brown patches on them. Any concern with this? What can I do to help this guy out?

Next I was completely surprised to win the raffle for this HUGE Cymb. This one doesn't look too bad, but it has a few concerning spots. Some leaves have yellowing on them, & almost the one leaf is entirely yellow. Looked underneath the leaves & I see these black spots & streaks kind of all over. Lastly, you can see a pic I took looking down to where the leaves sprout from. One leaf is dead all the way down & when I pulled it back it's very dirty/nasty looking down in the center. Don't know if I should clean that out. The plant does appear to be very dry. Could this be a part of the problem?

Photos here: http://www.orchidboard.com/community...s-cym-blc.html

Can you post some pictures??

I don't think I see your albums anywhere.

Click my name, then user profile. Then on your right you will see my albums.

I can't post links for some reason.

I wouldn't be too concerned. The Cymbidium looks fine. Give a cool dry winter rest, but not bone dry.
The Cattleya is a backbulb division that started to make a small growth and a root. So I would try to support growing with light, intermediate/warm temps, regular watering and low dose fertilizer.
Even if leaves are not showy, I don't see a reason for special treatment so far.
Be patient.

I agree that the Cym looks fine. Huge, but fine. Not sure what to advise on the Catt other than it is dehydrated. It could definitely use a soak in water.

Oh I think you went to the Coastal Carolina Orchid society meeting! If not, then you have the exact same plants that were part of the raffle on the exact same day lol.

Both plants will be fine. If you indeed did go to that raffle then you got a really, really nice Cymbidium that is taken care of really well.

The Chocolate Drop is just dehydrated and needs some water. I didn't see any plants at the raffle that were in dire straights. All the plants come from really awesome collections.

If you need any help with your plants I would be more than happy to help!

Forgot to add that you definitely want to give the plants a good once over to check for mealy bugs. One of mine I got from the raffle was infected. It does appear that your Cymbidium might have some as well. They are the white fluffy monsters that hang out at the bases and crotches of the leaves.

Yes, I was the new member that showed up for the first meeting yesterday. It was better than I thought it would be & I was really interested in Steve Arthurs speech he gave. Some really great info about viruses.

I was just trying to win at least one plant to have something new, & was completely surprised to win the massive Cymb.

Yes, I will double check it over for mealy bugs. I am familiar with what those are & do have some neem oil for them if I find any. Neem oil wouldn't cause any problems for orchids right, specifically Cymbs? Not sure if it's safe for all or only some types of orchids.

It wasn't that I was doubting anyone offering plants with problems, just that i'm very new to orchids, like 3-4 weeks, so anything odd worries me & I just want to make sure if it is a problem I can treat it before it gets worse. Thanks for the input from everyone.