marianne.fleurimont
Thu, 27 Jan 2005 10:39:57 -0800
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Dear OGDers,
I have some questions to ask about
mexipediums.
I have two mexipediums each with 3-4 growths.
They have been potted in bark and sphag in small clay pots. So far, they
have been wintering indoors on the window sill, receiving temperatures going
from 18C to 24C humidity between 40% and 65% at a bright window with phal level
sun.
I water them once every 5-7 days, waiting for the
substrate to dry out completely before watering. I water with R/O water
with 1/4-1/2 strength winter (blooming) fertilizer from Akerne Orchids.
Recently, I have noticed that one of the two
mexipediums has developped softened/yellowing leaves at the bottom of two of the
growths. Also apparent on this plant are white sunken spots on one of the
lower leaves (normally the leaves are plump and fat, light green). These
sunken spots have been increasing in number, and the leaves continue to
"deflate" in consequence. The latest developement has been orange/brown
"rusts" at the leaf tips as well as some of the edges. I have noticed
previously such a rust on one of my phragmipediums, who died a long
death.
This makes me very concerned. I have sprayed
a systemic fungicide/insecticide/bactericide, and moved it to a brighter
location (direct morning sun).
Second, the other mexipedium I have developes
little shiny black bumps on the backside of the leaves. These bumps cause
a constriction of the leaf at that point, so that the leaf becomes narrower
there than elsewhere. I received the plant like this, thinking this was
mechanical damage caused earlier in its life. However, these little black
spots seem to spread. I have looked closely at them, and they are not
scale (or dont look like scale to me).
Would anyone know what is happening to my two
mexipediums? They have been happily growing for the last 4 or 5 months...
but the recent developement of rust, the yellowing of the lower leaves, the
white spots, and the spreading of the black spots alarms me. (Although the
one with the black spots is making a sheath!)
Any ideas would be welcomed, and thank you all
before hand!
Marianne
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