Question
I have two different orchids that I am experiencing trouble with, both with their new growth.  I think pictures are the easiest way to describe what's going on.  What is causing these dead spots?  One is on the side of the new leaf coming up and the other is new flower buds dying before they even get big.  Thanks -John

<img src="http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i109/johnsaquatics/Random/orch1.jpg">

<img src="http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i109/johnsaquatics/Random/orch2.jpg">

Answer
Hello John,

Thanks for the photo links.  

I'm not quite sure what the black area on the growth of orchid #1 is, it sort of looks like a sunburn spot but also could be a fungus damage.  It does not look like it is growing larger, so I'd keep an eye on it to see how the new growth matures.  If it grows larger, write back with another photo.  

Orchid #2 photo is a little hard to tell exactly what is happening but my guess is that the developing bud(s) may have been damaged by a fungus as it was just emerging from the orchid.  This some times can happen if water is left overnight on the bud growth.  

Hope this helped.

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, Ca.