Virus on my Phaius leaves? Please..Noooooo!

[nynighthawk]

Greetings, folks!

I hope you can identify the yellow spotting on my Phaius leaves. I'm desperately hoping that this is not a virus of some kind.

The spots started appearing a few weeks ago during a very hot spell, here, in NYC. The plant had previously been pretty healthy, with occasional browning leaf tips.

The leaves on my other Phaius is also showing signs of this kind of spotting and I'm seeing a a few ambiguous spots on a Dendrobium kingianun leaf or two. My other orchids don't show any of these symptoms.

Can anyone tell me if this is a virus (worst scenario) or perhaps a fungal, bacterial, nutritional or even heat-stress-related issue? And what to do about it?

Any help very, very greatly appreciated. I'm hoping I don't have to toss this and other plants.
Jess

[Bud]

Its not virus....you need to send sample to a lab to really know it is a virus. Only by testing can you really say it is a virus.
Avoid wetting the leaves. Even if the leaves in nature gets wet by rains ...if you want pristeen clean unblemished leaves; then dont wet it.
Phaius leaves are soft and thin. As a result they can be easily bruised in careless handling. Be cautious not to damage foliage when moving the hose nozzle over and around plants during watering.

To prevent accumulation of moisture, overhead drip water, or condensation in the crown of the plant, it may be advisable to tip the plants slightly so the water will run out of the crown.

The thin leaves are sensitive to cold water. Since some water is splashed on the foliage at most every watering, damage can result when the water temperature is 10°F (5° Celsius) less than the ambient air temperature. They are also susceptible to sun burn, if grown very shaded and then moved to bright light. Phaius can tolerate, and enjoys, very bright light if introduced to the higher light intensity gradually.
*when I saw your pictures; I was thinking water damage....not virus....

[nynighthawk]

Thanks for your thoughtful reply, Bud.

I really, really hope you're right.

I do try to be careful when I water and don't leave water spots on the leaves, if at all possible.

I appreciate your "gut reaction" that this doesn't look like a virus. I'd be relieved with almost any other explanation.

Fingers crossed,

Jess

[nynighthawk]

Hey, Bud.

I just noticed that you're in Manhattan!

We're both New Yawkers! LOL

Jess

[Bud]

Welcome Aboard Jess!....do not worry....the worst that can happen is that you got scales or fungus infestation....and you can fix that by wiping the leaves with cotton dipped in brown listerine every other day....but I do not see any embossed round thinngies on your leaves....I think its water droplets kissed by the sun leaving weird spottings on your leaves

[nynighthawk]

Thanks, Bud.

I see you're a nightowl, like me.

I did see a few scales, when I inspected the leaves...not enough to do this kind of damage on so many leaves, though.

I've heard about using Listerine for fungal diseases and I'll definitely give it a try. At least my growing area will smell minty clean! LOL

Thanks for being so reassuring. I really appreciate it. This Phaius...Dan Rosenberg 'MelloYello'...bloomed for the first time, this spring and I just looooove it! It was scaring me that I might have to destroy it, and a little 'Rabin's Raven' that is also affected with this spotting.

I have a very small growing area and each plant is very precious to me.

Worried mom,

Jess

[lepetitmartien]

It may be a virus but only a test will tell (CymV especially).

Now I think there's hints of some sucking nasty insect, there seems to be lots of little points on the leave on pic 2. I'd investigate there first. I'd go for spider mites (a cotton on the leaves infected with alcohol if there's tiny things smearing yellow, you got them) or thrips and the leaf aspect is either the consequence of the sucking or some spread fungus.

[harleymc]

My gut reaction is that this isn't viral. The spotting in the photos seems to spread across the veins as much as it spreads along the veins. If viral I'd expect to see more of a streaky appearance running parallel to the veins. I'm on a new computer after my last one died so no bookmarks of typical virus symptoms to be able to share with you.

The pattern reminds me of water droplets, could it be that water droplets were focusing sunlight during that hot spell? I see you have new leaves coming away on the Phaius. Give us all an update on the appearance of the new leaves.

[RJSquirrel]

not a virus..water spots from you getting the foliage too wet and not drying out fast enough when you water. Spend more time watering the media. The Firehose method tauted by some work fine for plenty orchids, but you have to be more careful watering with tender leaved orchids like the phaius.

I had a 4 bulb set going good and let water stand in the crowns and all 4 came up with these spots all over them. I let them grow some and they looked horrible. Cut all the leaves off and left the bulbs. heh now the plant in its appreciation has given me 12 new growths from the 4 I cut off...So if you arent happy with how they look , cut em off, let em start over. They dont mind. really.

[james mickelso]

How has your orchid fared since showing us the pictures? That is something not done much here on OB. It is imperative that we learn from your problem so it can be passed on to the newer folks here who might have the same thing. Thanks.