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Very sudden black spots on Stanhopea pseudobulb - pls help!

Discussion in 'Issues, Disease and Pests' started by Delilah, Nov 16, 2013.

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  1. Delilah

    Delilah Orchidaceous

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    Location:
    Sydney, Australia = warm-temperate
    Hi

    I purchased a very lovely specimen of Stanhopea nigroviolacea 6 days ago from someone who lives near me (same climate). Just yesterday I re-basketed it very carefully, barely disturbing it, and watered it for the first time.

    Today I can see big black spots on the central pseudobulb and hints of the same on some others. What the?! I don't believe they were there yesterday, or I didn't notice them when handling it. What could it be that is setting in so fast, and why? More critically, what should I do, if anything?!

    ai732.photobucket.com_albums_ww325_finchesca_WP_20131116_0091_zps512c70d3.jpg

    I was so thrilled to get this particular plant and would hate to think that simply hanging it outdoors in a warm shady spot, doing a conservative re-pot and watering it once, would lead to disaster! Surely these plants are not so fragile?!

    Thanks for any help!
     
  2. Marni

    Marni Well-Known Member Staff Member Supporting Member

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    Location:
    Santa Rosa, CA
    I don't know what causes that problem, but as far as I know, it doesn't happen overnight. I have seen it enough times on my plants to have asked quite a few people and mostly they don't have an answer. Some suggest it may be too much fertilizer or the wrong kind, but I think they are guessing too. I see you have active root growth so I wouldn't worry about that and I doubt that it was your repotting that caused it. Others may have different experiences they can share.