sick masd. nidifica (i think)

[eikon]

i have a lot of new growth on this little guy, but i am also loosing a number of leaves (maybe 2 a week) i also have 'crust' on some of the leaves that does not want to clean off...
any suggestions?

(photos have enhanced contrast to better show the problems)

thanks
jeff

[orchid-man]

1235

[Orchidzrule]

Jeff,

One of the top Masdevallia growers in my OS feels Masdies are prone to various leaf-spot fungi. He, accordingly, treats his plants once a month with a systemic fungicide. (He uses Funginex, but says any systemic will do.) His technique is to drench the potting media with it--he does *NOT* apply it to the leaves themselves. My opinion, never humble but always honest, is that once per month is overkill (once every 3 months would probably be plenty), but I cannot argue with his success--his Masdies are always just bursting with vitality!

The only other thing I can suggest is to raise the humidity around your plants. Masd. nidifica is supposed to be one of the Masdies more tolerant of warmer conditions so I don't think it's a case of your grow area being too warm.

[eikon]

Masdies are prone to various leaf-spot fungi. He, accordingly, treats his plants once a month with a systemic fungicide.

The only other thing I can suggest is to raise the humidity around your plants.

thanks, i was afraid of that (fungal infection) since i grow in my apartment, i really shy away from the harsh chems, i think i'll try a home brew cinnamon extract spray and if that doesn't work...

i just built a new lighting system, so i'll be able to put the masides closest to the humidifier.

[Mahon]

I don't think, though, that the fungus growing on top of the leaves is dangerous or poses dagerous leaf problems (but maybe there are that do, and your's might be it)... in nature, most Pleurothallids have that fungus that grows on top of the leaves... I have never seen it prolonged or occuring in cultivation though...

I never use fungicides or anything on my orchids, and highly recommend more harmless alternatives, like you said, cinnamon. If that doesn't work, maybe you can try a little hydrogen peroxide, then quickly wash it off with water, or maybe even a mild detergent (a few little squirts per gallon of water)... don't try and rub the leaves to get the fungus off, you will just rip the top of the leaf open...

Good luck, and very nice plant!

-Pat

[Orchidzrule]

Hi again,

Firstly, and I should have said this in my previous post, your plant looks very healthy overall. Treatment of any kind may not be necessary. If it seems like the condition progresses to a worse state, then it should be considered.

Secondly, assuming this is a leaf spot fungus, cinnamon will not work. You need a systemic fungicide, not a strictly contact fungicide, for leaf spot diseases. Cinnamon is only a contact fungicide. (For the same reason, sulfur also will not work on leaf spot diseases.)

Thirdly, not all "chemicals" are harsh. The fungicide I use is a clear, odorless liquid with no corrosive qualities. (Unlike many soaps & cleansers.) Many people seem to consider any manmade product to be evil. I won't go as far as to say it's a hysterical reaction, but it is an overreaction. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for reducing the use of any product. Prevention, by practicing good plant hygiene (including isolating new plants), is the best way to avoid problems. I guess I am saying, however, to not necessarily fear a product if your first lines of defence against pests (insect, disease or whatever) let you down. Good luck!

[Gin]

I have the same plant, off and on it will lose old leaves while growing new ones , what you are seeing looks a lot like the old ones on mine before they die off . Gin

[eikon]

Orchidzrule, i am thinking you are right, all the cinnamon extract has done is make the plant smell nice (the extract is also really good in coffee ) and i have been treating my gigantic veitchiana x macrura with physan20 with no real effect. (this plant was given to me recently, the fungus is the least of its problems) i'm gonna break down and go systemic, what brand would you recommend, bayre?

thanks
jeff