Psychopsis Mendenhall 'Hildos' leaf problem

[brit6v]

Hello,
I have had this Psychopsis Mendenhall 'Hildos" 3yrs., and up until recently, the entire plant has seemed to be very healthy. When I was watering some of my orchids this morn., I noticed a leaf that had fallen off and a yellowing leaf still on the plant.

Could someone please tell me why this has happened and what I should do to stop it in it's tracks?

I will appreciate any advice you have for me,
Vicki

[leafmite]

Good luck! I am not quite certain what is causing your problem. I have one, growing in lava rock, net pot, with the growths sitting above the rock (to help prevent rot). Could it be an older growth? Black rot can also have this effect.
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[cakedaddy]

I have no idea what it is but the fact that there is a definitive line midleaf makes me think it's not just natural senescence. I would treat it with a systemic fungicide if it were mine. If that didn't stop the problem, I'd perform surgery. I had one a while back that was badly sunburned. Then got an infection of some sort. I chopped out the bad, treated it, and left it alone. They aren't as testy as many make them out to be. If you do need to unpot it and chop it up, just be sure it's firmly seated in its medium and don't bother it too much.
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[brit6v]

The two leaves are most likely older leaves, so yes, you're probably correct. The leaf that has fallen off, as well as the yellowing one, are totally dry....not mushy at all. Do you think black rot could still possibly be the issue?

Also, and actually beside the point, I'm interested that your's is growing in a airy-er (sp.) medium than mine. Mine has been growing these three years in coco-nugget, sphag and a little bark (very little). When I rec'd it, it was potted in all sphag., and it was then that I re-potted it into my own mix (I repot any orchid as soon as I get it). I also transferred it into a clay pot. Maybe I should have looked into it's likes and dislikes more and not have repotted it into such a 'dense' mix without really checking 1st. I understand that the roots don't like to be disturbed, but I repotted it last yr. (after waiting 2 yrs.), so I hope that was ok.

I know growing conditions/environment make a big difference as to how an orchid is best grown, but when I repot it again, do you think it would like a looser mix and more air, as yours is, better...as well as maybe a pot similar to yours? It has never bloomed, so I'm wondering if the reason has something to do with what it is living in.

Thank you for your advice,
Vicki

Good luck! I am not quite certain what is causing your problem. I have one, growing in lava rock, net pot, with the growths sitting above the rock (to help prevent rot). Could it be an older growth? Black rot can also have this effect.
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[brit6v]

Thank you, Jason...
Actually, I've been a little paranoid as to what I should do in this case because I have understood that Psychopsis can get pretty fussy if their roots are disturbed, but maybe that's somewhat exaggerated to a point. ?? I've been afraid to perform a test to find out, though. lol

As for a systemic fungicide, what do you suggest?

Thanks for your advice,
Vicki

I have no idea what it is but the fact that there is a definitive line midleaf makes me think it's not just natural senescence. I would treat it with a systemic fungicide if it were mine. If that didn't stop the problem, I'd perform surgery. I had one a while back that was badly sunburned. Then got an infection of some sort. I chopped out the bad, treated it, and left it alone. They aren't as testy as many make them out to be. If you do need to unpot it and chop it up, just be sure it's firmly seated in its medium and don't bother it too much.
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[King Kjeldz]

well after 3 yrs plant looks healthy and it cud just be a naturally shed leaf.......but u see those coco nuggets.....i hate them.....i only use coconut husks to mount.....i find they hold too much water around the roots...i dont have experience with Sphag but unless u have ur watering down to a science....i would stay away from those two media..they turn to "soil" rather quickly and for a fact Psychopsis hate stagnant conditions...now IF it's something more than just a leaf shed i would repot in a clay crock,charcoal and perlite mix, with a trace of bark

[cakedaddy]

I've used the Bayer product. I believe it's Rose and Flower Disease Protection. I wouldn't use it unless you feel it is actually disease. I knew mine was for sure. I've never really seen an old leaf die off quite like that, but my experience is limited. Mine usually just yellow all over and hit the floor. Hopefully someone else will jump in with a bit more insight.
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[brit6v]

I certainly hope it's just natural leaf shed....that would take quite a bit of concern off of my mind. As for coco nuggets, I've found that they do, indeed, hold moisture...that's why I use them as the main Phal medium. I'm with you on Sphag. I very far from have my watering down to a science, but I have not had good luck with Sphag in the past. I think a grower has to have that 'certain something' and know exactly how to deal with Sphag before it works well.

Especially since you've mentioned stagnation, I've been wondering if maybe I didn't put enough enert ingreds. in my mix initially. ?? Charcoal, for example.

Thank for your reply and help,
Vicki

well after 3 yrs plant looks healthy and it cud just be a naturally shed leaf.......but u see those coco nuggets.....i hate them.....i only use coconut husks to mount.....i find they hold too much water around the roots...i dont have experience with Sphag but unless u have ur watering down to a science....i would stay away from those two media..they turn to "soil" rather quickly and for a fact Psychopsis hate stagnant conditions...now IF it's something more than just a leaf shed i would repot in a clay crock,charcoal and perlite mix, with a trace of bark

[brit6v]

Thanks again, Jason...
Vicki

I've used the Bayer product. I believe it's Rose and Flower Disease Protection. I wouldn't use it unless you feel it is actually disease. I knew mine was for sure. I've never really seen an old leaf die off quite like that, but my experience is limited. Mine usually just yellow all over and hit the floor. Hopefully someone else will jump in with a bit more insight.
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[Halloamey]

Nope, it is not a naturally shed leaf, it is a classic example of rot followed leaf shedding. If it was natural shedding the direction of browning would have been exactly the opposite from the leaf tip and not the base. I think the pseudobulbs have stayed wet for too long. Use a systemic fungicide and increase the air movement or slowly the plant will loose all the leaves.