Afternoon,

I’m relatively
new to the orchid world – about two years.
I grow a small, varied collection under lights. I purchased this Den. Ceraula from J&L
Orchids about a year ago. Until
recently, it seemed to be a healthy, happy plant – it continually sent up new
canes, bloomed nicely and had healthy, visible root growth. Recently the leaves on the oldest canes have
begun to dry at the tips, spreading to approx. mid leaf and yellow to the cane,
eventually dropping. This doesn’t appear
to be the normal progression of leaves yellowing & falling. It also has sent up two new canes during this
episode, which don’t appear to be affected.
I’ve inspected it for pests. I
thought I may have seen something on the bark, but I couldn’t be sure. I’ve done some research & have found
similar descriptions (no pictures) to what I’m experiencing where people have
had issues w/thrips. I’m going to put up
a sticky tape when I get home today. If confirmed what’s the best treatment for
this pest? Should I be concerned about my collection?

Admittedly,
I could improve my overall culture. My humidity is low and my air circulation
is nonexistent. I haven’t had problems
yet - why mess with a good thing – but I’m thinking this might be a symptom of
not ideal conditions. I initially thought
it might be a fertilizer burn, so I cut that out but it continued to show
signs. I give it a good watering weekly
and it’s under light (about 8-10” from the bulb) from 7AM-8PM. I thought the light may be too direct, so I’ve
set it to the edge where the light is more filtered.

Also, just
generally – what is the best watering routine for this plant? I’ve seen that
they fall among the den’s that need a winter rest; however, the seller I bought
from instructed to water & fert. year round. I’ve been following that
instruction.

Thank you in
advance!