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DISCOLORED LEAVES

Discussion in 'Issues, Disease and Pests' started by samps, May 30, 2017.

  1. May 30, 2017 #1
    samps

    samps New Member

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    Hi guys, I've had this plant for only a few weeks, it appeared quite healthy when I purchased it but over the last few days I've been noticing some browning of the leaves.
    tmp_21859-IMG_20170530_110922200375567.jpg
    The plant is indoors where the temperature stays at around 76 F and there is a fan nearby that moves air around (not directly pointed at the plant). Additionally, I'm from a rather dry climate and have the plant on a sort of modified humidity tray.
    Do these leaf colors look like disease or poor condition? Both? Any help is much appreciated :)
    tmp_21859-IMG_20170530_1109091376032026.jpg
    The worst leaf is on the old psuedobulb, I'm not sure if those naturally die off or what.
    tmp_21859-IMG_20170530_1108521644097855.jpg
    Oh also there is a huge window of light but the light is neither direct nor very bright, could also be an issue.
    Thanks again!
     
  2. May 30, 2017 #2
    naoki

    naoki Well-Known Member

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    It looks like more of physiological stress than pathogens. The browning leaves are attached to the older pseudobulbs, right? When plants are acclimating to a new environment, they frequently sacrifice a couple of older leaves. How are you watering and are the roots ok? How dry is it (or where are you)?
     
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  3. May 30, 2017 #3
    samps

    samps New Member

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    Ok cool, I was hoping it was not pathogens. The leaf that is browning the most is on the old psuedobulb, but the others are on the new larger (currently flowering) one.

    Sacrificing leaves makes sense. I thought maybe that was going on but then I saw problems on other leaves and wasn't sure.

    To water, I let the plastic pot soak in a bowl of water for like 30 seconds whenever the substrate is dry to the touch, then put it back in it's terracotta-type pot over it's humidity bowl (the water in the humidity bowl does not directly touch the plant pots)

    I live in Arizona where the humidity is essentially non-existant

    EDIT (addition): I forgot to answer the root condition, I am not sure as I was waiting to repot until the flowering was done. Is there a way to check the roots without disturbing the plant?
     
  4. May 30, 2017 #4
    Marni

    Marni Well-Known Member Staff Member Supporting Member

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    See if the plant wobbles in the pot. If so, the roots are probably not good.
     
  5. May 31, 2017 #5
    samps

    samps New Member

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    It wobbles a bit, yes. :/
     
  6. May 31, 2017 #6
    naoki

    naoki Well-Known Member

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    That doesn't sound too good. Hybrid Oncidium may be pretty tough, but growing orchids in arid area is a challenge. When I moved to interior Alaska from North Carolina, I managed to kill my entire collection (I didn't realize how dry it is around here). The humidity tray in completely open space is not quite enough as Ray has been saying. My solution is indoor grow tents, but others in dry area probably have better ideas.
     
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