Question
I have had this orchid for three years. It was originally in spagnum, but I replanted it in bark. I had a nice bloom last January lasting several months. Since the last bkoom a new spike has emerged and it grows very fast. It has grown six leaves in six months. I keep it in a sunny window. Last year there were brown spots, but this time it has five circular spots, round on the underside of a leaf. The leaves are slightly pale, but not limp. There are more spots than
last year. I showed it to a neighbor who did not think it was scale. I amenjoying this hardy orchid and do not want to lose it. If this is a disease I do not want it to spread to my phals.

Answer
Hello Barbara,

If it is a cymbidium that you have, the spots you see might have been caused by a fungus.  The circular spots might be a bacterial infection.  The fungus is not much of a worry but the bacteria can be a problem if it continues to appear on the leaves.  

Look for a fungicide/bactericide that is recommended for orchids at your local garden center and treat the cymbidium according to the directions.  As a safe guard, you might also treat your phals.  

If the circular spots continue to appear, you may have to repot and divide it.  When you divide it, look to see if there are any dark areas or spots within the connective tissue between the bulbs.  If there is spots visible, that could mean the bacteria has travelled to the next bulb which should also be removed.  Hopefully, there will be no evidence of black spots going from one bulb to the next, etc.  

Hope this helps the cym.  

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, Ca.