Orchid fungus

[Johidi]

I have this fungus on almost all my orchids. It only grows on the Pseudobulbs under the bulb sheaths(Cattleyas) or where the leaves of my dendrobiums meet the stem/cane. It also has a brown/ rust looking powder on the affected area. What type of fungus is it and what do I have to do? Please help

[estación seca]

Welcome to the Orchid Board!

What are your growing conditions? Temperatures day/night? Humidity? Lighting? How are you watering?

It might be that something is eating your plants. It might be snails, cockroaches or other insects.

[Johidi]

I live in the Caribbean and the weather is pretty much 32C to 28C, not much rain, humidity in the 80%. I just water with a hose every other day. Growing media is charcoal and bark.

Whatever is affecting my orchids grows under the Pseudobulb sheath, on the affected area there's like a copper powder.

[estación seca]

Under those kinds of constantly warm and humid conditions, fungus do attack lots of plants. I would suggest contacting any Caribbean orchid societies for advice identifying the fungus and choosing effective fungicides. Not all fungicides control all fungi, so you need to have an idea of what you're treating.

And do your best to keep insects from eating plants. The bite surfaces allow fungus to enter.

Motes Orchids in Florida puts out a monthly E-mail newsletter for people who subscribe. They live in a warm, high-humidity environment. They discuss fungicide use.