new leaf inside another growing leaf.

[early]

Roberta, you might remember a while back I was concerned about a new small reddish leaf that is growing very well, mostly green now, red on edges, still not the size of a mature leaf, 2 1/2 inches now, Standard Phal, rescue. with long drooping leaves, firm except one at bottom is starting to yellow, and fall in a week or two.

My question is this. in the crown of this former reddish leaf, there is a tiny new leaf peaking out, about 5 or 6 mms. Is this unusual? is something wrong with the plant. I have had her non blooming for about 4 or 5 months. I am happy to see the new leaf that appears dark red. again is this dark color, almost black at first, unusual?

[Roberta]

A photo would help, but it sounds like you are getting another new leaf. The old leaves won't recover from past abuse and will eventually drop, and these new ones (now that the plant has better conditions) will mature. Phals usually bloom about once a year, so 4-5 months of non-blooming doesn't mean anything. And putting its energy into regenerating roots and leaves, the plant might also skip a year. Orchids teach patience.

[aliceinwl]

I’d also add that some Phalaenopsis naturally have a lot of red color especially in the new growth. The dark color of the new growth on your doesn’t sound like something to be concerned about.

[early]

The dark color of the new growth on your doesn’t sound like something to be concerned about.
Thanks Alice. Since I moved all my non bloomer and growers into my bathroom, turned off the heat, Keep the light overhead, several, on 12 to 16 hrs a day, plus a very bright skylight, all my phals except three or 4 are putting out new leaves. one plant is one I thought was dead last fall, but have babied it and it has two raggedy leaves, once split almost down the center for over an inch, Yet it also has two baby very tiny leaves, coming up from the crown. All but 7 of my 15 phals are NoIDs. I will be surprised if they start to bloom in a yr or so. I am very happy with all the new leaves. All but about 3 are still tiny. I did not know they grew two new leaves at a time.

[aliceinwl]

Sounds like what you’re seeing is the Phalaenopsis equivalent of explosive growth

[early]

Originally Posted by Roberta

new ones (now that the plant has better conditions) will mature. Phals usually bloom about once a year, so 4-5 months of non-blooming doesn't mean anything. Orchids teach patience.

I am not concerned about how long it will take to bloom. I love the foliage of the dark green wide leaves of the phals. I have lots of in the ground in my plant atrium, that is various sizes and colors of green, including aloe, hen and chicks, in pots on the dirt. So I am happy and patient and will wait until they grace me with a stem and new colors. Thanks Roberta.

Stay safe and healthy for all who read OB>

---------- Post added at 11:23 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:14 PM ----------

Originally Posted by aliceinwl

Sounds like what you’re seeing is the Phalaenopsis equivalent of explosive growth

for sure they are happier back in my bathroom with air moving and greater humidity, cool to at night to 60+ and yes, it is an explosion of green baby leaves and healthy roots. My bloomers, about 7 as they drop blooms, with go back to my fairly large bathroom. The Onc's are looking a bit droopy in the blooms and I am sure will drop them in a few weeks or less. And I will move the other two in there,

Thank you all for the wonderful teachings you have been giving me since Dec. Every thing except on is still blooming..for four months. (Phals)