Mites? Virus? Cell collapse??

10 years ago

Hi!
First things first,
Zone: 11
Dhaka, Bangladesh

My den. phal. is showing signs! Here are some photos:

It sits on a south facing veranda, and receives bright indirect sunlight.
No other leaf has these sunken spots. It is one of the oldest leaves.
It has flowered for me very well this year.
Has beautiful roots, and even a new growth! Photos:

It is underpotted, yes. And I've kept it on the drier side for a month now, as weather has been very humid.

Should I be worried about virus?
If not, what are the possible causes for this?

Thank you for your time!

Featured Answer

jane__ny

10 years ago

Looking at your photos, I would suspect virus. But I am not sure. There is no cure for virus and the plant should be isolated or destroyed.

I attached a link to the American Orchid Society for you to read the information and decide if it sounds like what you are seeing.

Your plant should be inside a pot. You don't need to remove the small pot, put the whole plant inside a clay or wood pot without disturbing the roots. Just stick it in. Add some bark or rock to fill up the spaces and water well.

Your plant appears dehydrated and would do better being placed inside a larger pot and watered well.

Jane

Virus

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Comments (9)

snoozy_bd (Z11)
Original Author
10 years ago
Hi jane_ny!

It is said that once a plants gets virused, all its parts are affected. The spots I see are strictly at the base of one/two leaf, and doesn't seem to be progressing much. Is this typical of virus? Are the symptoms supposed to be this isolated?

Can virus spread through air? Or does it only spread through contact and insects?
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snoozy_bd (Z11)
Original Author
10 years ago
I've read the aos article on viruses, symptoms vary largely, which I understand. I still ask to learn from other's experiences
jane__ny
10 years ago
My suspicion is based on the shape and appearance of the spots. Typical virus indication, but you can have the plant tested to confirm. The virus is not spread through the air. It is spread by insects, cutting tools, hands and close contact with other plants.

Im not an expert on virus but have seen it many times on plants. You can repot the plant carefully, sanitizing any tools and wearing gloves or washing your hands well. Keep the plant isolated from your other plants and bring it to flower. The flowers should show color break which would confirm the disease.

You can keep and grow the plant as long as you carefully isolate it from you other plants.

Jane
snoozy_bd (Z11) thanked jane__ny
snoozy_bd (Z11)
Original Author
10 years ago
This is the saddest thing I've read today :P
Thank you for the info @jane_ny!
jane__ny
10 years ago
I'm so sorry. Please don't be discouraged. It is more common than you realize. Many of us have bought infected plants without knowing. I have one which I just can't let go because it has a special meaning for me. It is ke
jane__ny
10 years ago
Sorry, this is what happens when you post from a phone! I hit submit by accident!

my sick orchid is kept isolated and has never infected any of my other plants. It flowers every year with the most beautiful blooms.

But, it is kept 'far' away from all the rest. Don't give up, get another and enjoy its beauty.

Jane
snoozy_bd (Z11)
Original Author
10 years ago
Thank you jane! That is exactly what I plan to do as this happens to be my first orchid :) I've read that sometimes viruses don't cause color break. A girl can only hope! Thanks again!
jane__ny
10 years ago
Yes, there is always hope. I'm not certain it is virus, just looks suspicious to me. Keep it away from other orchids and grow it on. See what happens.

Good luck,

Jane
snoozy_bd (Z11) thanked jane__ny