Phalaenopsis Guadalupe Pineda with black leaf

[Rhonda Svoboda]

This orchid developed a black spot on one of the leaves. I cut off that portion but it can still be seen in the photo. I don't know why it happened. I never water with cold water and I treat it the same as my other phal.'s
Any idea's or thoughts as to how this could happen? the rest of the plant is healthy.

[DeaC]

Touch of sunburn? I see it's by a lovely window.

[Rhonda Svoboda]

I considered that but its December in MI and the sun is very weak. Also the plant is not in direct sun. Could it be too cold? It is cooler by the windows- could it be too cold?

[DeaC]

When you water, does it go directly into the medium? I water the entire plant, leaves and all, but have it dry off in a warmer spot. Some of mine are also near cooler window but combined with having them stay cooler and drier it helps with formation of spikes.

[estación seca]

It could be cold damage. Put a thermometer on a plant and check the night temperature. Near windows can be much cooler than the rest of the room.

It also looks underwatered - the leaves are wrinkled. Are the roots OK?

[Rhonda Svoboda]

The roots look great. I do water less in winter but I do water at least twice a week. This is how I water: I let the warm water from the faucet go directly into the medium- and it does also get on the leaves. The plant then sits in the water (I plug the drain) for about 15 minutes to fully absorb the water.
I could make sure to dry the leaves with a paper towel. But I am really thinking that its too cold by the window. I could move it but it wouldn't be under the grow lights.

[aliceinwl]

I’ve had Phals that I’ve kept at cooler temperatures develop similar damage. If it was confined to the leaves and I moved them to a warmer location they were fine (albeit with cosmetic damage). If I left them in the cooler temperatures or if initial damage occurred on the stem or crown, the plants usually ended up dying (even if they had great roots). Look at it as a cry for help ;-)

[Rhonda Svoboda]

Good info. I'll move them to a warmer location. I am concerned about them getting enough light- would that be a problem? Its winter in MI and we don't get a lot of sun.

[Dollythehun]

I'm at the Indiana state line. Mine bloom regularly in a north window.

[estación seca]

I heard a speaker say Phals produce more and bigger flowers in lower light.