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Brown spots on only 1 of 4 orchids. Should I be worried?

Discussion in 'Issues, Disease and Pests' started by MrsJiminy15, Nov 1, 2016.

  1. Nov 1, 2016 #1
    MrsJiminy15

    MrsJiminy15 New Member

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    One of my four Phal orchids has brown spots, mostly on one leaf. The overall plant appears healthy so I'm curious what could causing these spots. Recently I've been reading alot about orchids and I guess you could call me paranoid. I can't seem to get them to bloom and I'm looking for an excuse to fix something (while I'm fully aware it's my lack of patience). Any and all input is greatly appreciated. Thank you!
     
  2. Nov 1, 2016 #2
    Gregg Zollinger

    Gregg Zollinger Active Member

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    I would separate it from your other plants. what leave has the brown spots? If it is the top leaf or two it could be sun burn. If it a very bottom leaf, it could just be normal shedding, they turn brown and drop naturally. If the spot feels soft of spongy around the edge it could be bacterial and could spread. If the spots are really small, it could be scale.

    Post a picture and I am sure you will get some good advice from someone.
     
  3. Nov 2, 2016 #3
    Ray

    Ray Orchid Iconoclast Supporting Member

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    I agree with Gregg - a picture is a great help.

    "Brown spots" can be used to describe a variety of potential issues.
     
  4. Nov 2, 2016 #4
    MrsJiminy15

    MrsJiminy15 New Member

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    Thank you both! I was having issues last night uploading a photo, but success today! These spots appear minor in comparison to some of the pictures I've seen when I googled "brown spots". But nonetheless, I want to make sure I'm correcting myself if I'm doing something wrong.

    brown_spots.jpg brown_spots.jpg
     
  5. Nov 2, 2016 #5
    Kipper

    Kipper CoffeeCoffeeCoffee... Supporting Member

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    Do the spots appear to go all the way through the leaf or are they just on the top surface? When you rub your finger over them can you feel a change in the texture of the leaf?
     
  6. Nov 2, 2016 #6
    MrsJiminy15

    MrsJiminy15 New Member

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    I'm at work now but based on what I remember, there's no change in texture. It's almost the spots are stains of some sort. I've read some information about if the water is too hard, it can create these stains that you can't remove and are permanently there for the life of the leaf. Is it possible that's what this could be even though none of the other three orchids have this issue?
     
  7. Nov 2, 2016 #7
    Ray

    Ray Orchid Iconoclast Supporting Member

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    No, that is not from mineral deposits.

    I suspect you're seeing some fungal infection due to leaving water droplets on the leaves, as indicated by the leaves on the right of the images.

    Over time, I would expect them to become sunken.
     
  8. Nov 2, 2016 #8
    MrsJiminy15

    MrsJiminy15 New Member

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    Should I separate from the other orchids? If so, how far is far enough? Is across the room sufficient?
     
  9. Nov 3, 2016 #9
    Ray

    Ray Orchid Iconoclast Supporting Member

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    STOP misting the plants. If you're trying to raise the humidity, mist the air, not the plants. Assuming my supposition is correct, it should not spread.
     
  10. Nov 3, 2016 #10
    MrsJiminy15

    MrsJiminy15 New Member

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    Thanks so much Ray for all your advice! I'll leave it be, and stop misting it. It could be so much worse, so I'll take it!
     
  11. Nov 3, 2016 #11
    Ray

    Ray Orchid Iconoclast Supporting Member

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    Don't forget-advice like this is worth every penny you paid for it.
     
    Kipper likes this.
  12. Nov 3, 2016 #12
    MrsJiminy15

    MrsJiminy15 New Member

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    Ha, true but in my experience so far, orchid growers are some of the most eager folks to help out, so I'll take what I can. Thanks again!
     
  13. Nov 5, 2016 #13
    Kipper

    Kipper CoffeeCoffeeCoffee... Supporting Member

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  14. Nov 6, 2016 #14
    MrsJiminy15

    MrsJiminy15 New Member

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    Thank Kip! Most of that info I already knew (maybe I'm learning faster than I think), but I did find the part about the new stalks growing in between the second third leaf. I never knew that! I'll have to keep an eye out.