It could be any number of things, are you able to post a picture? It doesn't so much sound like a virus though, other things can be treated and kept from spreading, or even just damage from something.
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I found the information on here that talks about viruses and now I am worried my orchid might be sick, but I am not sure, it might be nothing.
There is a small spot- maybe a little smaller than the eraser on a pencil- that is brown on one leaf. Is this for sure a sign of illness or can it be a sign of something else? More light, less water?
It could be any number of things, are you able to post a picture? It doesn't so much sound like a virus though, other things can be treated and kept from spreading, or even just damage from something.
No, unfortunately I lost my camera. It is just a single dark brown spot.
Concur with carol. posting a picture would help. could be a fungal or bacterial infection
I would not be concerned about it, as long as it doesn't change or spread. It doesn't sound like a virus - spots are very common on orchids. As a preventative, you might spray it with a fungicide (most spots are fungal infections, you can't heal the spot, but you can protect new growth). Be sure it has some air movement - also helps against fungus. It could easily just be some physical damage.
Is the spot sunken or just discolored?
It just looks discolored. I was wondering if it might be damage, since I see a spot on the flower that was hit when I was placing it in the car and it has turned brown and translucent due to the trauma.
Well, if its just damage, it won't grow and you can leave it alone. If its a fungus/bacterial infection it will spread and you will want to cut that part of the leaf off. I've gotten quite good at trimming the tips of my Oncidium alliance orchids in a nice leaf shape, you hardly notice its lost an inch or two - they are quite prone to spotting. I'm also getting more diligent about spraying for fungal infections and the new growth is looking better.
OK. I will keep an eye on it! Thank you so much! What fungal spray would you recommend so I can have it on hand.
I really wish I could post a photo. Will have to see if I can borrow a cell phone (I'm the last human refusing to get one) I looked at it closer today and it is actually raised slightly. Does not seem to be getting bigger, though. It is located on one of the bigger leaves need the end, in the middle.