Schoenorchis fragrans lost all its leaves- what happened???

[camille1585]

I've had a cute little Schoenorchis fragrans for about a year now and it seemed very happy. This morning I went to check on it when watering, touched it to remove a speck of dirt on a leaf... and all the leaves fell off!

A bit more information:
The leaves were perfectly green, no sign of rot at the base.
Plant is mounted, and mount hangs in a small mason jar with some leca and water at the bottom for humidity. I used to close the jar part of the day in the first months I had it, but now it stays open.
I mist the roots daily, being careful to not get the plant wet.

The only leaf still attached is the newly growing one. Since the roots are nice, I'm hoping it will bounce back...

[AnonYMouse]

I hardly ever water mine (1:2-4 x other plants). Not in any enclosure, hangs ~3 inches (~8 cm) away from LED light bulb (when I remember to turn the light on). Although not spectacular, it's blooming now.

[Leafmite]

I am sorry to hear about your little fragrans. I am not sure what has caused the leaf drop. I lost one many years ago to Calcium deficiency and finally replaced it a couple of years ago. I really love it. I hope yours will recover. Good luck!

[Ray]

Unusually warm lately?

[camille1585]

Originally Posted by Ray

Unusually warm lately?

We had a mini heat wave 2 weeks ago, and the temperature in my living room was around 30C (mid 80s F) for about a week, maybe higher in the afternoons, but wasn't home to see it. The night temperature wasnt much lower... Is this orchid sensitive to high temperature?

[WaterWitchin]

Or possibly not drying out after watering quickly enough?

[Swimmingorchids]

this heatwave has been extreme even here in the UK and I have been watching mine throughout this as employment in the UK is as reliable as a sieve holding water.

I saw France was far worse and I would have had some die if I had not been home. Pretty much all mine were behind curtains for 2 weeks.

But I ordered one from thailand while I've been off and the post decided to "forget" about it during the hottest week and then delivered it on the last day it was allowed to arrive - cheeky.
All the leaves have fallen off this one with 1 leaf remaining and 1 root. So I have one in probably worse state than you.

[camille1585]

Originally Posted by WaterWitchin

Or possibly not drying out after watering quickly enough?

From what I've seen during weekends, it's dry within a couple hours, especially at this time of year. I tried to find more information online, and it could have been the combination of heat and low humidity which did it. Next time I'll pay more attention to that, I do want to replace it if this one doesn't survive! A shame since it was just starting a spike too...