Using home remedies
 

I recently transferred two of my orchids into S/H (8/08/09) & based on the way the plants are reacting, it appears I didn’t do this at the proper time. My first problem was massive salt build-ups and root burn. I re-cleaned the Prime Agra and re-potted. Now, it looks like one of the orchids is suffering from some type of bacterial or fungal infection. There are black spots all along the pseudobulbs. I watered it with a Physan 20 solution, but now I’m considering taking a more organic approach.

So, here is my question. Should I continue to use Physan 20 or would an alterative option be just as effective? I’m thinking about using a baking soda-vegetable oil solution or the cinnamon-rubbing alcohol recipe I saw on Ray’s home remedies page. I’m not sure if these options will kill this bacterial/fungal infection, but I’m open to suggestion. My ultimate goal is to provide as “stress free” of an environment as possible to help this orchid recover and become acclimated to its new culture. Thanks!

Oh the orchid’s name is Bc. Maikai (c.bowringina ‘Luster’ x B.nodosa ‘ Weaver’). I purchased it from Phelps Farms Orchids in Tampa. Before I touched it, it was a beautiful healthy plant.

Why are your pictures blue?

Are you growing under actinics? 10000K PC's perhaps?

Anyways...

Doesn't hurt to try the alcohol route. Baking soda solution maybe. Or even the hydrogen peroxide method. I've found cinnamon powder to be very messy and hard to clean off. My plants still have residue on them from 3 months or so ago.

It is Phythion fungus and very common. If the black spots are soft and growing you need to cut them off.

I find that a certain percentage of Bassovola hybrids will develop these infections while plants next to them in the same trays will not be effective.

It can spread by contact including your hands.

Physan will not do anything neither will alcohol. There are no hobbyist grade chemicals that will do anything.

Removal and better air circulation are the best approaches.