Zygonisia capsule with black spot

[lotis146]

Hello everyone

I have a Zygonisia with two capsules on it, one older than the other. The oldest one is of a cross that has already been registered, so some proven success there. Recently I've noticed a small black spot near the base of it. Also the spike it is on is turning brown. As you'll see in the pics there is also a light orange sort of sticky, kind of yard residue (?) on the spot, which I picked off after the pic. There's a little bit more of the residue nearby this spot. Meanwhile the other capsule remains unaffected. I'm wondering if I should be concerned. Or is it due to their locale? This plant is on the kitchen windowsill, and given that these are warmer plants, so-to-speak, I've been worrying that maybe they're getting too much of a cold draft. It's getting colder and colder here in the evenings and these guys are RIGHT next to the window.

I'm of the belief that I need to find them a new spot in the house, bummer cuz who do I use to fill this spot or is it just too cold! (Nooooo runnning...out...of...space...sorta...).

Of course though my question for this discussion forum is about the black spot on the capsule. Oh yes and one of the pbulbs on this plant came with black spots on it, quite a few.

Thanks!

[orchidsarefun]

hmmm.......I suppose you could wipe the area with hydrogen peroxide as a preventive measure but I don't think you can do anything else, even if that spot spreads. If its through into the pod already, you will probably lose it. The fact that the stem is turning brown also seems to indicate bad news.
Based on my crosses and to dehiscence -
1) almost 9 months 2)almost 7 months 3) 6 months and counting - so I don't know if yours is even close to harvesting. Stems remain/ed a firm green.
My plant is in a south-facing window, leaves about a foot away, and is doing well. It doesn't have any black spots and leads me to think your may have some sort of a fungal infection as these are not prone to spotting.

[lotis146]

Thank you. I'm probably going to move it to be on the safe side. It's definitely not close to harvesting, not even 3 months yet. It does seem that a browning stem is not a good sign. Plus knowing this cross has been made successfully (based on it being registered) suggests - to me at least - more of an issue with the plant than this cross. It's Roquebrune with Cynosure btw, the result being Blue Danube. Roquebrune is the plant shown, capsule parent.

[lotis146]

Sadly yesterday the pod fell off. It didn't get any more black spots and the one present didn't get any bigger but it just fell off. And like I said, it's a registered cross already, is that pretty normal for crosses just to fail...just cause? Or should I be concerned that this plant may be telling me something? The other pod has not spots and its spike is still green.

Thanks for any input.

[orchidsarefun]

as a general rule if a pod is going to fail it will do so around the 3 month mark. There are all sorts of reasons for failure and just because the cross has been done before doesn't necessarily mean you will be successful. Lets see what happens with the second pod. If it gets well past the 3 month stage it will probably make it to dehiscence.
BTW - not to discourage you - its also possible that the pod will not contain seed. I have had that happen a few times. Another problem I had/have is that I had a low germination from a pod bursting with seed too. I have a zygonisia pod that is in flask and although there are a few protocorms, they haven't done much in 9 months. Expect the unexpected with orchids, just like Big Brother

[lotis146]

Originally Posted by orchidsarefun

as a general rule if a pod is going to fail it will do so around the 3 month mark. There are all sorts of reasons for failure and just because the cross has been done before doesn't necessarily mean you will be successful. Lets see what happens with the second pod. If it gets well past the 3 month stage it will probably make it to dehiscence.
BTW - not to discourage you - its also possible that the pod will not contain seed. I have had that happen a few times. Another problem I had/have is that I had a low germination from a pod bursting with seed too. I have a zygonisia pod that is in flask and although there are a few protocorms, they haven't done much in 9 months. Expect the unexpected with orchids, just like Big Brother

So how does that work say when you send the pod to the lab? Does he not charge upon discovering the pod is without seed?

Good to hear about the 3 month mark, hear again actually as I think I've come across that info in an older discussion. I've got a mini Catt at the 3 1/2 month mark now.

Hopefully your Zygonisia flask starts doing something for you sooner than later! The other pod on the aforementioned Zygonisia of mine is of a different cross, about a month and a half old now. The spike is still green. This pod that fell off was not quite two months old.

Thanks for sharing your experiences.

[orchidsarefun]

as for charging - discuss the issue with the flasker. Mention that you plan to do a lot of crosses...