Pseudomonas Disease in Phalaenopsis

What Is Pseudomonas Andropogoni?

• Pseudomonas andropogoni is one bacterial species among 191 that belong to the family Pseudomonadaceae. Bacteria of genus pseudomonas infect various plant species, but this particular bacterial species exclusively affects phalaenopsis orchids. It is often referred to as "brown rot" because of the brown patches that occur on the leaves of phalaenopsis orchids. It starts out as brown circles that dry the affected area of the leaf and can quickly spread to other parts of the plant.

How Do Phalaenopsis Orchids Get Pseudomonas Disease?

• Plants infected by pseudomonas disease probably caught it from other plants that were infected. Environmental factors such as humidity or temperature also contribute to the likelihood that a phalaenopsis orchid will contract pseudomonas disease. If humidity or temperature is high, pseudomonas bacteria will thrive and multiply, making nearby phalaenopsis orchids more susceptible to infection.

What Are the Symptoms of Pseudomonas Disease?

• The most recognizable symptom, and the most easily visible, is the browning of the leaves of a plant. The disease manifests as spots of brown and possibly light yellow. It most commonly begins on the underside of a leaf and becomes more visible on the top part as the bacteria multiply. The leaves' affected areas also appear to be papery and dried up.

Preventing Pseudomonas Disease in Phalaenopsis Orchids

• The best way to keep phalaenopsis orchids from getting infected with pseudomonas and most other diseases or pests, is to prevent the environment from becoming too moist. The best practice is to limit watering to early mornings. This will hydrate the plant as needed, and the remaining moisture will evaporate as the day goes on. If a phalaenopsis orchid is infected by pseudomonas disease, that particular plant should be moved away from other flowers. To be extra safe, surrounding flowers should be moved as well. This prevents infection from spreading further.