Oncidium S/H update + leaf spots! (HELP PLEASE!)

[empiref]

I acquired an Oncidium on Feb 23rd of this year, it looked fine but the root mass wasn't at its best condition. I placed it in a S/H medium. This is my first attempt at growing an Oncidium. it's getting plenty of bright light and no direct sun light, it's been outside since a month, the pot is flushed weekly.

Lots of new roots have emerged since then and there's a growth of a new bulb and the growth of a new leaf.







However there's something wrong with the leaves, brown spotting is emerging at the tips and around the edges, can someone please help me with my problem.











There are no test kits here in my country, I have neem oil and alcohol, to speed up your answers.

Thank you.

[tucker85]

The leaf tip burn looks like one of two things. Either too much direct sunlight or too much fertilizer. I don't grow in s/h but it could also be that the plant is adjusting to the new environment. I would use about half as much fertilizer for a while and see if that helps.

[Pilot]

I've had the exact same experience as you with my Oncs... placed into sh, experience impressive and healthy root growth and new bulb growth only to have the foliage look like this. I've been told its a fungus and so I got some Clearys fungicide for it and treated the plants. I haven't noticed an improvement but it doesn't seem to have worsened either.

To be honest I don't know what the issues are with our plants. Mine are still growing and showing signs of health but their leaves are still ugly! I hope someone else chimes in for you. Here's a thread bump for you at least! (subscribing especially since you have better photos!).

[Oscarman]

Looks like a bit overpotted - pot and amount of media too large for size of plant. I prefer to use the smallest pot and amount of media that will just accomodate 1-2 yrs growth. My oncidiums similar in size to your's are in a 4" pot.

The roots look great!

I am inclind to think fungal also - but not too much experience with it. Are you able to get any any fungicides in your location

Ryan - what is the active ingredient in Clearys? Is it a systemic fungicide?

[Gage]

Looks like fungus, common with oncidium leaves. It's usually relatively harmless, just makes the leaves unsightly. Spray the whole plant with 1/4 strength Listerine, which contains thymol. Then just try not to water the leaves when you water, and increase air circulation.

[empiref]

Originally Posted by Oscarman

Looks like a bit overpotted - pot and amount of media too large for size of plant. I prefer to use the smallest pot and amount of media that will just accomodate 1-2 yrs growth. My oncidiums similar in size to your's are in a 4" pot.

The roots look great!

I am inclind to think fungal also - but not too much experience with it. Are you able to get any any fungicides in your location

Ryan - what is the active ingredient in Clearys? Is it a systemic fungicide?

Oscarman, Ray once mentioned that he placed a Oncidium in a 12" pot and it grew beautifully. I placed them in such a pot to account for a couple of years growth.

Yeah I can get my hands on some fungicides.

[empiref]

Originally Posted by Gage

Looks like fungus, common with oncidium leaves. It's usually relatively harmless, just makes the leaves unsightly. Spray the whole plant with 1/4 strength Listerine, which contains thymol. Then just try not to water the leaves when you water, and increase air circulation.

Gage,

Thank you, yes I have Listerine mouthwash, should i use it only once?

As for watering, I never place water on the leaves when i water. Air circulation is very good, the leaves are moved by the wind all day, since they are placed outside on my balcony.

Since what my leaves are experiencing is harmless, then i shouldn't worry that much.

[Pilot]

Originally Posted by Oscarman

Looks like a bit overpotted - pot and amount of media too large for size of plant. I prefer to use the smallest pot and amount of media that will just accomodate 1-2 yrs growth. My oncidiums similar in size to your's are in a 4" pot.

The roots look great!

I am inclind to think fungal also - but not too much experience with it. Are you able to get any any fungicides in your location

Ryan - what is the active ingredient in Clearys? Is it a systemic fungicide?

Honestly, I cannot remember. A google search should reveal what it is but I'm already late for a meeting! Ssssh! Don't tell anyone!

[Gage]

Originally Posted by empiref

Gage,

Thank you, yes I have Listerine mouthwash, should i use it only once?

As for watering, I never place water on the leaves when i water. Air circulation is very good, the leaves are moved by the wind all day, since they are placed outside on my balcony.

Since what my leaves are experiencing is harmless, then i shouldn't worry that much.

I have recently started using it weekly on all of my orchids as a preventative fungicide. And supposedly thymol (key ingredient in Listerine) is systemic. Every week I soak everything (except any blooms or buds) in a solution of dish soap (Ajax brand), Listerine and water. And I make sure it really gets down in all of the leaf bracts and into the media.

[billc]

I've been growing oncidium intergenerics for over 10 years and have had them in s/h for about the last 5 and the leaves always look like they've been thru the worst care. The spots and browning at the ends don't seem to affect the plants. I usually cut the end off at an angle when it gets too ugly.
I have to ask-- what's the blue color on the top of your leca?

Bill