Orchid Diseases

[Annie18]

Hello! I'm a new member and I have only one orchid. I'm not well informed of how to look after orchids and so I want to ask you some questions.
What remedies should I have to cure different diseases? Can you post the photos of the ill orchids to make it easier to recognize the illness?
And one more questions which has connection with illnesses, how often and when should I fertilize the orchid?

[Ron-NY]

what type of orchid do you have? Many fertilize weakly on a weekly basis with 1/4 strength fertilizer solution.
Yes, please post a picture of plant to help ID what is going on

[Annie18]

This is me Phal. and this the its leaf, I'm a little bit worried about it. Cannot understand what it is.

[kspalding]

Your bloomage shows us a happy healthy plant. Has the problem been spreading? If not, it could be environmental such as weather, location, lighting, etc.... It is hard for me to see in the pic but is the color of the spots black, brown, or dark green? Do the lower leaves seem dry and shriveled, yellow and spotty, or feel oozy when you rub them? Was it like that when you got it or has it developed since you took it in? Honestly though if I were to hazard a guess based simply on appearance I would say it looks like chemical burn caused by the growing nurseries pesticide application. Typically this leaves some unsightly spotting but otherwise doesn't kill the plant.

[Wade's Orchids]

Hello Annie! That's a beautiful Phalaenopsis. It should be ok unless the spots spread. If they do, you might have to cut the leaf off. If you like, you can wipe it with warm (not hot) soapy water. Pests and diseases are best treated when needed because usually the chemicals are harmful to pets and people as well as bugs, bacteria, and fungus. Having said that, Neem oil is very safe for getting rid of insects. It kills the bugs by suffocating them. To guard against bacteria and fungus problems I recommend good culture: Make sure that water does not stay in the crown of the plant. Provide good humidity and a bit of air movment. A good way to do that is an ultrasonic humidifier. Ron is right for fertilizer. When you water, take it to the sink and water thoroughly and then wait until it starts to get dry (we don't care much for the "ice" method). I hope that helps you a bit. Keep us posted on your plant.

[Annie18]

Thank you very much for the respond. I bought it a couple of weeks ago. Now some flowers fell off. The leaves look healthy and strong. It has one or two mechanical damages but otherwise they look good, leaves are green with no dots except the ones I showed above. I noticed them only when I brought them home and examined throughly.

[Annie18]

Hello! I'd like to ask you some advice. I get orchid care tips on my email and yesterday I read that "Listerine - this "2-in-1" home remedy can be used as a spray at full strength for short periods (about 2-3 consecutive days is okay) as a preventative measure on your orchids... Simply spray your plant lightly once a week or so, and you'll have yourself a quick and easy way to keep away unwanted pests and disease, and ensure your plant stays healthy".
Has anybody used Listerine like this? Should I use it only on leaves or also on the pot mix?

[Wade's Orchids]

Haven't heard of this. All I can think of is a sticky residue. I would rather take the hard road for prevention... Good culture and vigilance. I don't like to apply anything that is not necessary, and if a problem does occur find how to prevent it from reappearing.

[ksriramkumar]

Agree with wade. I would better stick to conventional fungicides or tried and tested home remedies

[Annie18]

Hello! My plant has 5 leaves, 4 of them became soft. I re-potted it noticed no fungus, the roots are dry, may be too dry. Also I noticed some kind of a bug on the leaf in the morning. What should I do now?