Possible virus on C. intermedia?

[papayj]

I found several disturbing signs on my Catt. intermedia var. orlata 'Rio'. There are several dark purplish spots on the leaves and some of them even show light yellowish, chlorotic streaks. I fear this might be virus. And virus test kits are not widely available in my country. (Unless you are in big horticultural business) I guess I have to throw this poor guy away...

[estación seca]

Orchid Pests, Orchid Diseases

It doesn't look like any of the viruses in the above link. I don't think it's a virus.

[Orchid Whisperer]

Have a look at Orchid Viruses

The articles in the "Read More" section of that link are worthwhile. They may help you to decide what to do with this plant. Any plant that is growing poorly without a likely explanation (dehydration, etc.) should be treated with suspicion and destroyed or at least isolated. As noted in the Virus in Cattleyas article by Sue Bottom, virus symptoms on leaves tend to mark both sides of the leaves and will eventually occur in all parts of the plant.

[papayj]

Thanks for the infomation! It is not that obvious yet but I think it would be more prudent not to take any chances...

[jkofferdahl]

While you may want to isolate your plant, I think it's far more likely that your damage is either insect- or fungal-related. Inspect the plant very carefully for signs of insects, some of which can be small enough to be very difficult to spot. If you isolate the plant like it's virused but treat it for other issues you'll have a diagnosis soon enough. I personally think that people fret about viruses a lot more than they actually encounter them.