Splotchy Leaves - Is this Normal?

[scy]

I recently purchased a dendrobium miyakei. It came in but I saw that the leaves were splotchy. It's hard to tell in the photos but it's splotchy with shades of light green and medium green. It's more apparent up close rather than on camera. Most of my other orchids are pretty uniform in color. I am afraid of putting it with my other orchids if there's something wrong with it. I hope it's not a virus. If it is normal, can someone explain why it looks this way? Thanks!

[Paul Mc]

There may be a number of reasons for it though I would doubt it's a virus. It could be from temperature fluctuations, over/under watering, too much light, etc... A few of my dendrobiums started doing the splotchy thing this year instead of keeping their leaves even. One started turning yellow and dropping it's leaves before I realized it was in a bad medium (rotting). After having repotted it, I discovered that when I watered it's leaves would turn yellow quicker so I reduced watering and the issue has for the most part stopped. On another note, it's not uncommon for den's to shed their leaves at various times of the year.

Which leaves are turning splotchy? The top one's or the bottom one's? If it's on the bottom I'd say it's just nature taking it's course. If it's the top leaves then it may just be an environmental issue (like what I mentioned above).

I noticed that you have yours in SH. Did it come that way? I've read that switching an orchid to SH may cause some environmental stress similar to what I experienced with my den. this year until it learns how to grow in the SH.

[scy]

I'm so glad to hear that it's not a virus! It's probably due to the adjustment of the new growing conditions, since it's a new acquisition. The medium was starting to turn, so I repotted into s/h since there were new roots. The splotchy ones are all the leaves on 1 cane while the other cane has even color. Thanks so much for your helpful insight!!