A few members in our orchid society including myself have had problems with some of our Phals being stricken with some form of disease that is highly contagious to other Phals . It causes unsightly streaking, yellowing and pitting of the leaves. Every new leaf grows clean and healthy looking but in time it develops the same condition. We have all experienced contagious spreading to any Phal nearby. The only solutions seems to be to throw the plant out and thoroughly sanitize the area. Not sure if that is even enough to protect other Phals.
Recently we came upon an article describing what sounds like the very same problem. And the author found a cure by using
Dimethyl ammonium chloride with urea. Here is the article in English even tho it appears not to be English:
Orquídeas, nossas flores...: Nova doença de Phalaenopsis vindos de Taiwan
Has anyone ever used this or have any idea what strength would be safe to actually apply to the orchid? I have done some research and this chemical without the urea is used as a sanitizing chemical for greenhouses and many other applications. I ordered some but it doesn't have the urea. I would appreciate any insight anyone can share on this as to how to use it or if they tried it and if I can use the stuff without the urea and maybe just add fertilizer. It would sure be nice to have a solution to this disease that has been going around for several years.