Black/Brown spots on Renanthera leaves

[petewall]

Hello,

I am just getting started with my orchids. I have a Phal that I took from tough shape to healthy, and I picked up three new orchids from a recent show in town.

I have a question about my renanthera. It's getting black/brownish spots on the leaves near where they meet in the middle. It's in bark with some grassy stuff on top. I water it three times a week, and it's in my office.

I've attached a picture soon after I bought it, and one from yesterday.

As a side note, I don't think it's getting enough light in my office, so I'll probably bring it home and buy a full-spectrum light for it to sit under during the winter.

Thanks for any advice you can give!

[RosieC]

Hi and welcome to Orchid Board

Unfortunately that doesn't look good to me at all. I'm not an expert on these but that reminds me of my Vanda before it bit-the-dust. I think it's a sign of decay in the centre of the orchid

I'm afraid I don't really know what to advise to do, so I really hope someone else can jump in with some advise.

[FSUOrchids]

I'm not sure if it's really that serious....it doesn't look like something that problematic. I would keep an eye on it this week and see if it changes.

[RosieC]

Originally Posted by FSUOrchids

I'm not sure if it's really that serious....it doesn't look like something that problematic. I would keep an eye on it this week and see if it changes.

How about where the top leaf on the right meets the centre. It sort of looks like that leaf is coming away and may be dropped soon. That was the bit that concerned me most.

[petewall]

Looking at the before picture, that top leaf was already showing some "wear", so I'm not too worried about that.

Do you think it could be fungal? I could spray some fungicide on it.

I'm watering with tap water and some splashes on the leaves. I try to wipe off any that gets stuck, but I haven't been too careful with that.

[FSUOrchids]

Originally Posted by RosieC

How about where the top leaf on the right meets the centre. It sort of looks like that leaf is coming away and may be dropped soon. That was the bit that concerned me most.

I see what you mean, but I've had this happen with some vandas and in the end they survive.

[RosieC]

Originally Posted by petewall

Looking at the before picture, that top leaf was already showing some "wear", so I'm not too worried about that.

Yes, I see what you mean now. I'm glad it might not be as bad as I first thought

[FSUOrchids]

I think if it was internal rot, you would see other problems.

[Chatbud]

Do not water the foliage, esp. in your current climate now

Remove the coconut husk/fibre if you can

[petewall]

@FSUOrchids & RosieC
Thanks for the help. I'll just keep caring for it and see what happens.

@Chatbud
So that's what that is! The coconut husk fiber is used throughout (not just on the top as I thought before). Would it be best to repot in some coarse material? I'll make sure to avoid the leaves when watering from now on, too.