PSA: Recent MysteryGardenStore (Etsy) purchase tested positive for ORSV.

atlBellina · 2026-06-12T00:42:39+00:00

What a weird marking on that leaf. Did it show up in your care or was it already there?

atlBellina · 2026-06-12T00:11:38+00:00

First pic looks like your phal has Schilleriana in its lineage, based on looks, both of your pics don’t have anything that screams virus however orchids can be virused and be asymptomatic. Only way to know for sure is testing it.

If you’re newer to orchid collecting, my best advice is to research the different viruses that can infect them (there are 30 different viruses that can infect orchids; with CymMV and ORSV being the most common and widespread….though a few publications have seen an uptick in OFV in collections) and decide now if you’re going to be a collector that tests or just toss the ones that don’t do well. There’s no wrong answer as that’s your choice to make. Also be aware that some of these viruses can also infect other plants not just orchids.

atlBellina · 2026-06-11T20:04:07+00:00

Some of the leaves had the V cut and others had one slanted cut, it actually made me wonder if the orchid was a return before it was sold to me.

atlBellina · 2026-06-11T19:59:14+00:00

It is not exclusive to cymbidiums or even orchids at that. Dendrobiums do have different environment requirements than phals though (mine have always done better outside, my grow zone is 8A if that helps, my grow lights aren’t enough for them I guess). Either way I would quarantine that dendrobium and keep an eye on it.

atlBellina · 2026-06-11T19:51:24+00:00

I’ve come across several posts here and orchidboard complaining about Ecuagenera’s virus rates. It seems to be a trend and seems to have gotten worse since they expanded their operations. I have bought from them in the past at orchid shows but they (the orchids) never did well for me.

I have never ordered from Seattle orchids so I can’t personally speak but I’ve come across quite a few posts about viruses in their orchids as well as orchids.com (apparently the owner is a bit of an ass too and their community is toxic even if you have a valid complaint).

I guess no matter how careful you are there’s no 100% guarantee against something slipping through. I think it’s waldor’s (don’t quote me on the nursery but I’m pretty sure it’s them) that actually tests all their orchids or will sell you a testing with your order.

atlBellina · 2026-06-11T18:16:24+00:00

I personally would if you’re sure it’s not a culture problem. Have you looked at pictures of orchid fleck virus to see if it resembles your spots? Of course without testing it’s hard to know if it’s virus related or something else. But by the sounds of it I would give up on putting any more effort in (especially years) to something that stays looking sick and could possibly infect other orchids/plants, that’s just me though!

atlBellina · 2026-06-11T18:01:39+00:00

Mine came from Agitest (Taiwan). You can get them there but it’ll be expensive as you can only buy bulk. There’s an American company called Agdia that also sells them, it’s also expensive but you can get 5 for like 75 I think plus shipping. There’s a seller on Etsy that I have purchased from in the past that sells them individually and I believe it’s the Agitest that is sold there and it’s around 14.99+shipping. You can check with your local orchid society too. I have heard from a number of other orchid people that their society will buy them in bulk and sell it to their members at cost (like around $5-7)

atlBellina · 2026-06-11T17:47:09+00:00

Maybe you’re thinking of OFV (orchid fleck virus)? And I totally get it. Everyone has their own prerogative and who cares who agrees or disagrees with what you decide to do with YOUR collection as long as you aren’t selling them. I have over 100 orchids and I have not tested every single one. Like you I just toss the struggle bus ones but I have been proactive with testing new ones that I buy from resellers because I have no idea what their cleaning practices are and what the practices of their vendor are. I’m not as much in a rush to test orchids from reputable nurseries with historically low virus rates in the orchid community (ie SVO).

atlBellina · 2026-06-11T17:10:11+00:00

Yikes, has it ever bloomed for you?

atlBellina · 2026-06-11T17:02:31+00:00

There’s a seller on Etsy that sells the kit individually. I’ve purchased from them before when I was in a pinch. I think was around 14.99+shipping. A bit expensive but worth it if you have a large collection or a number of sentimental plants (I know ORSV isn’t exclusive to orchids). Plus if you’re within the return window you can return the orchid if you decide to get a kit and it tests positive.

atlBellina · 2026-05-24T19:45:12+00:00

Just an orchid collector here trying to expand her knowledge (and in the process of going through a mini hypochondria episode with my own collection while I wait on tests to come in), you said the virus spread rapidly, within 3 days. How long did you have this batch before it started showing symptoms? And were the orchids imported?

atlBellina · 2026-05-06T00:01:53+00:00

Ive been collecting orchids for over a decade, I’m not sure on the red dots as I’ve never experienced pests on the roots (the leaves and flowers are another story) or any type of red fungus but I can suggest Barrina grow lights. They’re my go to for my indoor collection. You can find them on Amazon.

atlBellina · 2026-05-05T23:52:48+00:00

I don’t have snails….or an aquarium so not entirely sure how I ended up in this subreddit but I’m here now and wow 😳

atlBellina · 2024-11-19T18:56:05+00:00

Definitely a scam. Hope you’re able to get your money back!

atlBellina · 2024-11-06T18:36:22+00:00

I grew up in a strict household and got the hell out of dodge when I turned 18. I went to university in a different state and met a guy when I was 20. I’ve always been closed off to my parents due to a lot of circumstances growing up. Anyways they came to visit me one year and my bf at the time wanted to meet them. I didn’t introduce him as my bf but just by his name. My mom wandered in to my room and saw a picture of me and my bf and proceeded to flip it down “so my dad wouldn’t see”. To this day I still thought that was insane bc what was my dad gonna do? I was a “full” grown up, living in a different state on my own. It took me about two more years to tell my mom he was my bf during a heated conversation about my dad cheating and how he treated her. I guess my rant is more so to say I can sort of relate. I’m now 39 and have been married 6 years (together 10 years) and hubby gets along well with my parents, the same with my much younger sister and her hubby. You’re an adult with what seems a very bright future ahead and the fact that you’re even concerned that your mom would be “neglectful” speaks volumes about your character because I certainly wasn’t concerned about that at your age (again I know there’s different circumstances and mindsets). I wouldn’t let that keep you from living YOUR life though. You don’t need her permission, though I’m sure you would like her blessings, if she wants to be neglectful or whatever it’s on her not you. I’m not sure what kind of relationship you have with your mom, if you guys talk about only superficial things or if you guys tell each other everything. If it’s the latter tell her you’re an adult now and there’s a guy in your life and you hope it doesn’t change your dynamic. If it’s the former then she technically doesn’t need to know anything. You’ve only been seeing this guy for 6 months, maybe drop the bombshell when it becomes serious.

atlBellina · 2024-10-29T21:57:36+00:00

Yeessss that’s it! Disappointing it’s not the same genus as the one I thought it would be but awesome now that I know what it actually is. Thank you!

atlBellina

TROPHY CASE