Need Cattleya Diagnosis-Black sticky stuff!
 

Hi there -
Here are some pics of a cat I just noticed today had a problem. There's a sharp line on the pseudobulb you can see (new growth) and its really sticky and I wonder if anyone can help me figure out what I need to do.
Thanks so much - (sheath is bad too).
P.S. I took it out of the greenhouse as soon as I noticed it and I just hope it doesn't spread.
http://www.orchidboard.com/community...1&d=1409797309
http://www.orchidboard.com/community...1&d=1409797309
http://www.orchidboard.com/community...1&d=1409797309

I have the same problem and think it is fungus. Spraying alcohol and rinsing off with water did not help. Sorry that I have no answer.

---------- Post added at 08:18 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:49 AM ----------

My orchid book identifies this as Sooty mold: a black fungus and excreted by aphids, etc. It does not harm a plant but is unsightly. Mine does not wipe off so it may be something different.

---------- Post added at 08:31 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:18 AM ----------

Lars Kurth posted this link on his thread about pests ...Orchid Diseases. He is very helpful and generous with his orchid knowledgr

Thank you Doug!

Looks like mold growing on sap excreted by your plant. I have had the same as showing on your dry flower sheath. Nothing spread or caused any harm.

Excellent link dougr on orchid diseases! Thanks

I see nothing unusual or damaging. Looks like normal Cattleya growth colors to me.

I agree w/Steve...I see nothing wrong or unusual w/your plant.

It could use a repot to get those roots down in medium so they don't dry out so much but other than that it looks perfectly healthy.

Thank you one and all! I'm still fairly new at this and I tend to panic lol! Great relief! And as far as the roots go I was waiting on it to bloom(?) and then I intend to get right to it. Hope you all have many blooms for helping a newbie