Leaves Turn Black - Help!

[gavstang]

Im impressed at the swiftness of the replies to Sven's cries for help! Kudos guys!

[SvenLittkowski]

Yes, I join: swift, very helpful reaction! My deep continued thanks to all of you.

[espranch]

In this case, if the orchid were mine...I would: cut away to living green tissue, then spray the cuts with alcohol. Then I would brush dry sulphur powder on each cut. The alcohol will not hurt the orchid, and will make the sulphur stick. I have used this for over forty yrs. and it has worked for me. I just hope that you have some living tissue left...It's going to be a long time for this orchid to "come back." Re-pot in a bark mix: 60% bark, 20 % perlite, 20 % charcoal chips. DO NOT WATER for at least a week! Just my opinion... Good luck...Betty

[SvenLittkowski]

One more very good advice. I will do so. Just: sulphur powder not available here. What does the sulphur do, by the way? Can I substitute?

I also wonder, if I could keep these babies (all of them - the ehalthy and diseased ones) in my apartment (700 foot-candles). And if, where? Window? Beside window (1,500 to 2,000 foot-candles)? How many foot-candle do they need? Or should I build a terrarium for them inside my apartment with mist maker and small fan?

[kiwiorchids]

just one thing Sven, if you can hold on for another 10-12hrs, dont buy thiram, as it is known to "feed" a certain bacteria. Two ways to determine if the bacteria is present is to A: Smell the rotting/black crown or leaves, and if it smells PUTRID, theres your problem. B: cut away one pbulb at the RHIZOME and if there are little black dots throogh it, again, thats it. I have a meeting tonight, so i will ask WHAT the bacteria is called, and HOW to treat it

[SvenLittkowski]

Great, thanks! I recognize no smell. Could it be over-watering alone?

[espranch]

Sven, I believe you CAN find plant type sulphur at a plant nursery. And, it kills bacteria! Great stuff...Betty :-)

[SvenLittkowski]

Not here in Jamaica, trust me. They have here only the most basic, elementary things. Reason is, that those shop staff members never get any real good training here, so they hardly know anything of the variety. I go each week 2x into plant shops, and can't get muich of what I want...

We got the palms and the white beach here, but not the expertise... :-(

[Dorsetman]

[QUOTE=espranch;233442]spray the cuts with alcohol.

What a waste of alcohol... I prefer mine in a glass with a little water - not too much water... (joke)

[espranch]

Well, Geoff...that's your opinion, not mine...Betty