Question
Hi ..
Wow .. quite nice archive of questions you have here :)

I have my Phal. on a shelf that received indirect light (it's a bright room) and sometimes I leave it a few days getting evening light (direct, but not strong - btw I live in germany).

It started growing a few leaves (It have 5 big nice leaves now) and I spotted a more darker green area in two of the old leaves. After one day those areas became broader and much softer (it was almost like foldable), next day I could see small white spots in one of them (the one which the darker area was bigger) and the leave started to turn yellow. So I decided to cut this leave off before "this" get to other leaves, and the other leave (was still dark green without the spots) I've cut it almost half of it (the "bad" area at least) before the entire leave died.

The orchid looks ok now (It have no spike - it dried completely - until it became 'breakcable' - and I've cut it 1 inch from the plant). But I'm kind worried if was some kind of fungus or any other disease .. Now I'm "paranoid" :-P .. there's one leave which started to show a bit light green on it's back side ... might it be fungus ?

If that's the case .. what would you recommend ? (since I live in germany .. I don't think that I would be able to find the same fungicide than in US .. so if you could say the type of fungus and I'll look over here).

Thank you in advance :)

Theo

Answer
Hi Theo,

Dark green spots that grow larger could be caused by a bacterial infection.  Fungus spots are usually black.  You've done the right thing so far, removing the affected leaves.  One thing you need to be cautious about is using the same cutter for all cuts.  If the cutting instrument has come in contact with the infection, it can spread it further when you make the next cut.  For this reason, when I operate (cut) on a possible sick orchid plant, I use industrial grade single-edge razor blades and throw them away after one cut.  Industrial grade blades may be found in most paint stores and are relatively cheap.  

As for what to use to treat your orchid, check at your local garden center for a general batericide that is recommended for orchids.  Be sure to follow the directions on handling and use.  

I hope it is not too late to save the phalaenopsis.  Good luck!

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, Ca.