Phalaenopsis orchid virus

Viruses are organisms the naked eye can’t see. You will be able to see them only through microscopes when their images will be amplified several thousand times. Currently about 30 types of orchid viruses are known in different regions of the world. But usually when a grower says “phalaenopsis orchid virus” he means either Cymbidium mosaic virus (CMV) or Odontoglossum ringspot virus (ORSV). They reduce the vigor of the species and make the flowers wilt and mottle. Gradually the plant succumbs.

The symptoms of an infected plant are variable and are difficult to pinpoint. They can be crinkling, fleck, mosaic-like or fish-bone like patterns, malformations on the foliage, discolorations, color breaks on flowers. Sometimes, though, sick plants do not display any symptoms at all and look perfectly healthy.

Phalaenopsis orchid photo virus cannot be treated actually. As soon as you have noticed suspicious blemishes on the leaves, the only thing you can do is to cut this leaf as close to the stem as possible and afterwards spray the wound with fungicide or bactericide.

As we see defeating viruses is impossible. The best way to control them is prevention. Buying the species from a certified producer and avoiding bringing home plants that show the signs of infection will keep you on a safe side. It also goes without saying that propagation can be made only if mother plant is virus-free.
Several groups of orchid scientists have been trying to create genetically engineered resistant breeds. Hopefully, genetically modified orchid will have been put on the market by 2015.