Zygopetalum spots- bad or just unattractive?

[Fishkeeper]

Man, those care sheets aren't kidding about zygopetalums and their hybrids spotting easily.

Assuming the spots don't cover a significant portion of the leaf, they're purely cosmetic, right? I'll try to prevent them, but it'd be good to know whether they're actually a problem or just a cosmetic issue.

[jcec1]

I believe it is just cosmetic, according to what I've read. I have about ten zygopetalums and they don't suffer from spotting. I wonder if it is temperature related? They rarely get above 21-22C which is probably a lot cooler than most.

[rbarata]

How do you fertilize them, if you do...?

[Orchid Whisperer]

I have certain Cymbidiums and Oncidium-alliance plants that spot easily. I find that the spotting decreases with regular calcium supplementation (either gypsum, or calcium nitrate).

[Dollythehun]

I have only a few spots.I keep the water off the leaves and run a fan on them. It never gets above 75f.

[Maryanne]

I have read that the dark spots are one or more types of fungi. Could be other things, the research has not identified yet.

I've had pretty good luck keeping spots to a minimum on Zygos and Oncidiums by using Neem. It's a natural oil extracted from a tree, Azadirachta indica. Has an odd smell which does fade after a day or so. (Not as bad as skunk ; -) It is effective against various fungi and insect pests, but not harmful to beneficials, pets, humans. (Although I would not eat it)

Use according to directions on the bottle. Keep plants out of sunlight after spraying until dry...I spray at night or on cloudy days. It won't heal the old spots, but new growth is much cleaner.

Good luck~
Maryanne

[estación seca]

Experienced growers have told me spots on Zygopetalums can be avoided by proper temperatures (low), humidity (high), water (very pure) and air circulation (excellent.) If one of these four is off, there will be spots.

[early]

my zygo seedling that was 3 inches in Feb, is now over 14-15 inches and looks health.
I was excited to notice a basal growth, I am wondering if it is a keiki on this young a plant.
I was not excite to see some black spots on just one leaf. there is also a 1 1/2 black line on the middle of the leaf. There are only a few black dots. I have sperated her from my other growers. This is my first zygo so I know very little about her care. She is in LECA and I read she needs more air movement than Onc's vandas and my phals. Photos to follow.

[Dollythehun]

Mine grow very fast. What you read about air circulation is correct. Mine currently has three spikes, grows like a weed, and eventually the foliage starts to look like that. I'm just being practical. I'm sure one of our members grows them perfectly but, that's not my experience. I wouldn't worry.

[DirtyCoconuts]

read Dolly's post again, nothing else needs to be added