Phalaenopsis spots on leaves and strange growth

[Piao Liang]

Hello,
I have a few orchids with spots on leaves. In addition, the new growth on the leaves is “deformed” and as it grows, it becomes normal.
Photos are: P. Picasso, P. pirate picotée and P. Brother pico sweetheart

Many thanks!

[JScott]

Could be fungal or bacterial, so it wouldn't hurt to treat it with Physan just in case, but I'm more inclined to think it's viral. I'm sure others will disagree; its hard to diagnose a plant from a picture, but that's what i think.

---------- Post added at 10:57 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:54 AM ----------

Honestly, it looks pretty bad. I'd compost it and just buy a new one, especially if you really like that one and can find a healthy example of the same one. If you can't replace it, go ahead and try to save it, but I'm not optimistic, and it's going to take a long time before it is healthy again. Unless of course it's a virus, in which case there is no cure, and you need to throw it away to keep it from spreading to your other plants.

[estación seca]

What are your day/night temperatures, relative humidity, light? How are you watering and fertilizing? Do these plants flower?

I think it looks like virus damage. Here is a good place to read:
Orchid Pests, Orchid Diseases

If they have been like this for some time, I would agree you should throw them away. Then, in case it is a virus, you should disinfect the entire growing area with something that kills viruses. Some orchid virus particles can remain active on surfaces for 10 years or more.

[Roberta]

I'd also suspect virus... one can't be sure without testing, but at the very least there's "failure to thrive" which is a good reason to toss a Phal anyway. Unless there is something very special about any of these plants, the cost of the tests also probably doesn't make sense. Time to clean the area and replace them.

[JScott]

OMG I'm honored. Two of the most knowledgeable (and let's face it, two of the most opinionated) people on this board both agree with me. Way to make a guy feel good about himself!

[Roberta]

Originally Posted by JScott

OMG I'm honored. Two of the most knowledgeable (and let's face it, two of the most opinionated) people on this board both agree with me. Way to make a guy feel good about himself!

Hey, you got it right, good observations. Give yourself credit! Even if it isn't virus, it isn't good... and why endanger the rest of the collection for plants that aren't particularly valuable and clearly have some nasty issues whatever they are? Whether viral, bacterial, fungal or genetic, either incurable or difficult and uncertain to remedy... Time for some new, healthy plants.

[MJG]

So these are 3 different orchids with these symptoms? As others have said, it could be bacterial or fungal or virus. I suspect virus, but you can't be sure without testing. If you can test them for viruses, it would be good to do that. You'll know what you're dealing with and can test or watch your other plants. Anything that tests positive for virus should be disposed of.

If you've reused scissors without sterilizing between plants or if these plants have shared water, you might have unknowingly spread the problem, whatever it is, to other orchids in your collection. Keep an eye on things. Wash your hands or wear gloves between working with different plants and always sterilize cutting tools or use disposable razors. I learned this the hard way.

Regardless of the issue, sadly, I would get rid of these 3 orchids. They look really diseased. It is always gut-wrenching to part with a beloved orchid. So sorry.

[SouthPark]

Originally Posted by Piao Liang

Hello,
I have a few orchids with spots on leaves. In addition, the new growth on the leaves is “deformed” and as it grows, it becomes normal.

How long have you been growing these orchids for roughly?

Details about the growing conditions - temperature, humidity, light levels, air-movement in the growing area etc, method of watering, and whether the leaves get water on them, fertilising and mag-cal schedule etc, could altogether maybe help with the assessment of the situation.

[Piao Liang]

Thank you for your messages. I’ve had these orchids for a few years. I am very careful with water, sterilized scissors etc. I left my orchid collection to someone else to care for while I was away. I am suspecting that shared water might be the problem although this person will never tell me. These are 3 different orchids are quite valuable. I guess I will have to get rid of them. I have already used Physan.

[Roberta]

The only certain way to determine whether virus is the issue (which is definitely incurable) is to test - either purchase the test strips (I don't know who sells them in Europe) or send samples to a lab. (Given the size of the orchid industry in the Netherlands, I am certain that there is a lab that tests for orchid viruses there if there isn't one in France)