brown spots on orchid leaves please help

[alinka]

Hello,
I'm new to orchid growing and i would appreciate your help with my orchid.
My white phal has been getting some brown, purplish spots on its leaves and i don't know what it could be. I didn't think it was a big deal at first, but now its getting same spots on its new leaves too. Its actively growing new roots and otherwise seems to be in good health, however this worries me since these spots seem to have traveled to the base of the orchid.
Ill attach some pics so you can get a better idea of what i'm talking about. If someone has had a similar problem or knows what it is please let me know.
Thank you

[WhiteRabbit]

What temperatures has this been receiving?

[alinka]

Well im in NY and currently we are heaving cold weather. Its standing next to a window right now. However, when we had warmer weather those spots were still there, maybe less of them. When i water it, i water with tap, room temperature water.

[mkaczur]

I am a beginner myself I don't think it's a good idea to use tap water when watering your plants. Tap water has chlorine and other chemicals which may harm the plant. I use bottled or rain water when watering. Maybe more of the experienced growers can give you some advice here on the tap water. Putting live fish in tap water before treating the water will kill the fish so it also may harm your orchids. I'm sure you will receive other advice on the tap water. Good Luck

[alinka]

ok, thanks ill try using bottled water, maybe it will disappear over time.

[mkaczur]

I've read brown spots on the leaves may be the plant is not receiving enough light. Make sure the light is adaquate keep your plant near a window. Enough light is very important. I also read to much misting the leaves may cause brown spots. How is your root system? Are the roots healthy and not brown? Were these plants just purchased? What are they planted in? If they are in moss you may have damaged roots and may need a repot in bark. Good Luck

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[WhiteRabbit]

Unless your tap water is extremely hard, it shouldn't be a problem for a Phal. But, speaking of watering, do you periodically flush the potting media with lots of plain (no fertilizer) water?

Are the spots sunken? Soft? Are water droplets on the leaves during cool temps? Or while in hot sun?

[alinka]

I flush out without fertilizer every forth watering. I water with fertilizer every 7-25 days, since i have it in sphagnum moss, the orchid doesn't dry out that fast.

When it comes to spots, they are not soft, but some do seem sunken on the underside of the leaf. Most of them just seem to look like some weird coloring of the leaf not soft or mushy to the touch.

I try not to leave any droplets on any leaves after i water.

I searched the net again, and maybe my orchid got Cymbidium mosaic virus..I don't know much about it, but some orchids with viruses get spots.

---------- Post added at 07:34 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:31 PM ----------

I also forgot to mention that the new leaves are curling downwards..

[mkaczur]

Alinka did you look down deep to check out the roots? When in moss they at times turn brown get water logged and mushy. That's what happened to mine when I first brought a couple home years back. Plus I kept them in poor lighting which I thought at first was bright enough. Now I have them next to a window. What a difference leaves and roots are popping out everywhere. Good Luck

[mkaczur]

I'm just a beginner trying to help surprised you are not getting more help from the senior members or from people who have spent a lot of time with Phalaenopsis Orchids. Maybe some will pop up latter. Try Google searches which you probably have done. Again check them roots in the moss make sure they are not brown and mushy. Does sound you may have a root problem. Have you ever done a repot since you received your plants? Watch the Phal repotting on YouTube very helpful. Good Luck, Michael