Hello:

My beloved Sukh has become ill over the past couple weeks and I am at a loss as to what is causing the problem. I'm a Midwest window-sill grower (east) with a dozen orchids, and have been an obsessed orchid lover for about four years now.

The paph in question is a 3 growth Sukhakulii that has produced a lovely robust flower for the past three years (she was a NOID rescue that you all identified for me :Party: ). It resides in a clay pot in moss and is fed via Schultz orchid food.

I apologize for the quality of the pictures as I had to use my cell; as you can see one leaf has a large oval tan spot that penetrates the leaf to the other side. Also, you see the yellowing and browning of another leaf...the overall plant is limp and pale.

I've inspected for critters and can find none, I've sprayed with the oil-soap-water mixture, tried alcohol and even sprayed Bayer Natria (no Physan in my area-am going to purchase online).

Today I unpotted and examined the root system which is not huge but roots are a fat healthy brownish color. I flushed each leaf and the roots under running water, allowed the plant to rest and dry and then repotted into new moss. I'm wondering if it's the plant food? Chicago water?

I'd hate to lose this plant as it's my favorite. I'd appreciate any guidance, suggestions, admonitions- anything to get this orchid healthy again.

Cheers and Blessings
NeoOrchid :(

The best thing to do is to replace it with a healthier plant.

Looks like some type of rot. To save it, I would cut off all of the effected areas.

It also looks like rot and I too would cut off the rotted area. Good luck with the plant!

Are you sure its not sunburn from leaf against the glass? Moss looks a bit dry and does look limp.

A bit more shade. Cut off the affected bits. New moss, moist not wet. Lots of humidity. Distilled water, hand watering not on the leaves.

Please keep us updated. I think the other members gave you some good tips.

Are you sure its not sunburn from leaf against the glass? Moss looks a bit dry and does look limp.

A bit more shade. Cut off the affected bits. New moss, moist not wet. Lots of humidity. Distilled water, hand watering not on the leaves.

I was think the same thing about being sunburned! I would repot the plant from a clay pot to a plastic pot so the medium stay a bit more moist. Then sit the plant on a pebble tray with water to increase humidity.

Paphman910

All good advice, and yes I think it does look like rot. I am a chicago windowsill grower as well. My paphs don't do well in clay pots, and I use a bark mix for them. If you cut the leaves, put cinnamon powder in the spot where you cut the leaves. I have had good success with that as it seems to help the rot from spreading.