Hi there,

Recently I have noticed the leaves of my orchid developing these yellow spots on it. I fear it may be a virus. What do I do to take care of it or is there nothing I can do? Also I have other orchids in close proximity to this one should I keep those away from it?

Hi Gina,

There are several possibilities. I don't grow Phals, so I can't tell you exactly what the symptoms of viruses are like on them, but you can take precautions just in case.

If you suspect a plant of being infected, isolate it from your other orchids. Don't let water from it drip onto your other plants and wash your hands after handling it.

Always sterilise your tools (scissors, etc.) between plants - you can dip them in isopropyl alcohol and flame them with a small butane torch (i.e. one used for creme brulee) or larger ones from Bunnings. Alternatively, you can get trisodium phosphate (TSP), available from Bunnings as Tricleanium, and soak the tools in a saturated solution for 15-20 minutes (saturated meaning no more of the powder dissolves).


To me, the last photo looks like mechanical damage on the leaf. Some of the other yellow spots do not, though. I'd be checking for pests (i.e. mites, aphids, etc.) as well as discussing the culture of the plant with other growers on this forum.

I don't think it is virused, I think that you have mites. False spider mites usually attack the undersides of the leaves, true spider mites attack the top surface. They are extremely tiny and with bad infestations they suck the life out of the leaves causing these sunken areas that become discolored.
Wipe leaves off using a cotton ball dipped in 70% Isopropyl alcohol and then thoroughly rinse with plain water after letting alcohol sit for a minute. Repeated applications may be needed.
Plant desperately needs repotting!!