A few months ago, I got some new paphs, and several immediately seemed to have issues with some sort of rusty looking damage. I contacted the vendor and wasn’t given any ideas what caused the problem, but was advised to wipe down with alcohol. I did so, and I have kept those plants as separated as possible from my other orchids, but they don’t seem to be improving, and I’ve recently noticed a similar issue developing on what had previously been a very healthy Paph.
I’m panicking a bit because I don’t want this to continue spreading, but when I research online for similar images, everyone always seems divided on whether it’s mites or a fungal issue. I haven’t been able to detect any mites, but I know that doesn’t mean they aren’t there.
So what should I do? Treat for both? Or would that be too damaging to the plants?
The first three images are the “new” plants that came with *something* and the fourth image is new damage on an existing plant in my collection.
Edited to add: Well, I just found what I’m pretty sure are thrips on another plant, so now I’m having a pretty bad day. This damage doesn’t also look like thrips, does it?
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