Water Saturated Leaf?

[priz_m]

In way yes, beacuse it dries out faster than moss and makes overwatering less probable.

Personally I have my phals potted in a bark, LECA mix with a layer of sphag moss on the top to keep the roots moist, but not wet.

It is recommendable to repot all orchids as soon as they come home because you get to inspect the root system, if this baby had water pouring out of the pot as you say, you may want to repot to make sure the roots are ok.

Here is a link I often post on repotting phals:

Easy Orchids - Re Potting A Phalaenopsis

I just love all the pictures jejeje.

Either way, best of luck, keep us posted!

[hollylee]

I cut the leaf off above the bad part like you guys said. Even though I was really really upset to do so. I've brought it home so I can better control its environment. I got some potting bark and some orchid food. I too the orchid out and the roots were in prety bad shape. There are a few good roots on top that are green and look good. Mostly all of the roots in the really compacted moss were hollow with what looked like nerves on the inside. They were the same sandy color as the moss and pulled right off the "nerves" with barely a touch. I cut all the bad ones off. Clipped the brown tips off of the good roots. What should I do now before i repot?

[obiwan]

I have a this experience, the orchid expert told me that it should cut the leaf away ASAP, otherwise it will spread to whole leaf.

[addictedcountryman]

Either spray with hydrogen peroxide or sprinkle cinnammon on the cut areas to prevent infection/fungus. I prepare my media (bark) by soaking it 24 hrs with some root hormone (optional). When I am in a hurry, I boil the bark to open it and let it cool. I would suggest doing this in the morning though because I wouldn't repot in damp bark late at night (leads to root rot).

[missann]

I would get it out of the moss, cut 1/4 inch into healthy tissue on that leaf. Soak in hydrogen peroxide 3% solution like you get at the drugstore. Seal the wound with cinnamon, and maybe most importantly, TAKE IT HOME. Offices are way too cold for phals imo. They get stressed when they are not comfortable and it makes them way more prone to disease. Also, you won't have any cleaning crew accidentally getting crap on it or bumping it. I don't know if it can survive with only one leaf, but orchids are pretty tough. I don't think you have to cut the whole leaf, just cut out that area, at least a quarter inch into healty tissue. Use a razor instead of scizzors (sp?) sizzers... scizzers...anyway, that will prevent you from crushing the tissue. Better for the plant.

So-
Move, cut, soak, seal, repot. If you have any other questions, please send me a pm. Oh do it right away. bacterial brown spot moves FAST.

[Ray]

I vote with Missann that you're looking at a bacterial infection of the leaf, which is totally unrelated to watering, potting media, etc. Such infections can often be brought in via an insect bite, and you did the right thing by removing the affected part.

[JennS]

Hollylee, you have done a good job! You were right about getting the Phal out of the office (I know mine is way too cold for me let alone an orchid!) and by getting rid of the bad spot on the leaf and the bad roots.

Now, if you haven't already repotted you will want to disinfect the roots with some hydrogen peroxide (as others already mentioned). You can also get a rooting hormone product as Addictedcountryman said, but if you don't have it on hand, you don't "have" to get it. If you do decide to go purchase one, you could also get some Superthrive which gets rave reviews from members here.

You are on the right track though with everything you have done so far. Your Phal should recover. I had one get down to about 2 roots before I found out it was rotting and it has made a full recovery with time.

Also, you do not want to overpot your Phal. Although the leaf span may be great, you want to choose the pot to fit the roots, not the plant. This may lead to the pot looking too small for the plant, but if you have too big a pot then the medium will stay too moist and could lead to root rot again.

A final tip is that you can stick a chopstick or pencil into the medium and let it sit there for a minute or so. When you pull it out you can feel it for dampness and if it is damp you do not need to water yet.

Good luck and keep us posted! I think your Phal is on the road to recovery. Just give it time...

[hollylee]

This morning I checked on it. I put most of the roots into the bark, but left two on top for air. Not sure it that was right or not. The two on top look a little bit whiter today than they were yesterday. They were bright green and now they are very pale. Is that ok?

[hollylee]

Well the roots seem a good color green again now, and it looks like something new, is pushing through by the roots. The leaf that I had to cut is turning yellow, and it will probably fall off. I hope it can survive with only one leaf!

[Swamper]

hey that sounds like good news to me. Keep your eye on it though.