Wrinkled leaves

[hollylee]

2 weeks ago, overnight one of my phals blooms all went droopy and the leaves got a little bit wrinkly. I've been monitoring it, and watering it carefully. It doesn't seem to be perking up. I know the blooms are done, but I want to see an improvement in the leaves. Any advice?

[Annika]

My (limited) experience with wrinkled leaves was with my first phalaenopsis. The wrinkling was a sign of its having been badly overwatered (before it was given to me), which led to root rot. Check the roots on your plant---they may need to be cleaned up and the plant repotted. Good luck!!

[camille1585]

I agree, check the roots, so you know what you're dealing with! Either it's overwatered or underwatered. If it's the first case, cut off the rotten root parts and repot in fresh medium if the existing medium is really in poor shape. If the roots look fine, just water more often. If yours is in a clear pot, a good way to know when to water is to look at the roots through the pot. silver white means it's time to water. Green roots means all is good for the moment!

[RosieC]

I would agree with other responces. It's lack of water, BUT lack of water can be because of overwatering and rotten roots as well as due to underwatering.

One of mine got wrinkled leaves while I was away over the summer even though the others were fine and I was only away a week (I normally water once a week anyway). When I looked at the roots I found they were almost all dead. It's still not a well Phal, but that's another story.

I would also advise checking out the roots. If they are firm and there are plently of them then you probably need to water a bit more. If they are blank and soft then they are rotten, cut off the bad ones (I would also either dust with Cinnamon or wash in Listerine after doing this) then repot.

If there are hardly any roots left then... well that's my problem just now and it needs very careful care. I seem to be getting enought water into the few remaining to stop it dying (and new roots are growing slowly) but not enough to stop more leaves from wrinkling. You need to be careful not to overwater and rot the remaining ones though... a delicate balance.

[Ross]

Pictures would help here! I don't disagree with the preliminary diagnosis, but pictures would help.

[hollylee]

The roots look a little shriveled in most places also. Should i clip everything thats not green?

Also, it still has one bloom thats happy, should i clip the spikes and plop them in a vase to help the plant out? I would be more than willing to do so if it would help.

[hollylee]

Ross:
I found this quote of yours on another similar problem. Work for me as well?? I dont do moss, I could use chips again if that would work ok.

As to the Phal, not sure how to respond to this. "Hollow" roots sound dried out (ie. dead) to me. "Wilted" leaves could indicate drout (dryness) or flood (wetness) in pot. Both will end up killing the roots for different reasons. When repotting a Phal with these symptoms, I personally would not recommend sphagnum, not even New Zeland sphagnum which is the best. If the roots are in fact dead, adding lots of moisture holding at the roots won't help the plant.

Here's what I would do if it were mine (keep in mind I am not necessarily suggesting this in your case without seeing the plant.)

1) I would trim off all the roots that look suspect to me, mushy brown, hollow, etc.

2) I would remove the whole flower spike down close to the leaves so it wouldn't try to rebloom.

3) I would sprinkle powdered cinamon all over the remaining roots (if any).

4) I would then place the whole plant in a zip loc bag with a small handful of moistened sphagnum (not in contact with the plant) for moisture. I would NOT water the plant, but WOULD keep it as moist (humid) as possible until I see the first nubbins of roots appear. While this is going on I would keep the plant in the bag next to an east or north window for low to moderate light. I definitely would attempt to keep plant out of sun, but not too dim either.

5) Once new roots appear and the leaves plump back up, I would repot, but in fir bark or Semi Hydroponics (I favor fir bark).

All of the above are known on the board as the "sphag and bag" method and you will see that mentioned from time to time. It is the "intensive care ward" of your grow area.

Let us know how this turn out.

[hollylee]

OH, and those blooms have been hanging liek that for a little over 2 weeks, isnt that a long time? shouldnt they have dropped by now?

[quiltergal]

Holly I would recommend cutting the spike. It will help the plant save water and keep it from becoming even more dessicated. I would only cut roots that are squishy, or hollow. If they are brown but firm leave them on. They are still a functioning root. I think it will be OK. When you repot make sure it's in a snug pot. Too large a pot can hold water for too long and that as you know leads to rot. Clear plastic pots with slots on the sides and and inverted cone in the bottom are great. You can monitor root health and in this case you'll eventually be able to see when the existing roots start to grow again. They also allow the medium to dry out a little quicker, so you might have to water more often.

[hollylee]

Done and done. I'm looking forward to a recover on this bad boy.