Orchid Growth Problems: Black Spot on New Leaf and Bud Damage—Sunburn or Fungus?

Question:

Two orchids with new growth issues. Photos attached: (1) black area on side of new leaf; (2) new flower buds dying before enlarging. What causes these dead spots?

Answer:

Hello John,

Thanks for photos.

Orchid #1: Black area on new growth—looks like sunburn or fungus damage. Not expanding, so monitor. If it grows, send another photo.

Orchid #2: Hard to see exactly, but developing buds may have been damaged by fungus as they emerged—can happen if water sits overnight on bud growth.

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, CA