Phalanopsis Leaf Shrivel and Wilt

[Arizona]

I have a few Phalanopsis's growing now. For that last 1 1/2 years I have had no problems. Now all of a sudden this is happening to 2 of them. Well one now because I ended up throwing the other away since it was so bad.

I checked the roots and I do not see any root root, Seems everything is green. But the leaves are shriveling up and then die. Starts from the bottom leaves and works up.

Not sure what the heck is going on. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

[Sandy4453]

Have you recently placed the plant in a different location, near vents...heater or a/c? Or, are you keeping it outdoors where it may have been left (too long) in extreme dips in temps? Did you spray them with anything? I've seen and have had some nasty results with Neem Oil on Phals.

It 's probably a good idea to unpot the plant and check for any bugs. (Last week I finally discovered what was causing one of my Oncidiums a slow death...a millipede, eating away at it.) Give it a good bath in Physan 20 or water with 1/4 tsp. of dish soap for 15 minutes, rinse and repot in new medium.

Please update what you've discovered and it's progress.
Good luck and welcome to the site!

[Arizona]

I checked and the roots seem green, though one had about 6 roots growing on the top of the pot and over the side. So I replanted that one with the roots inside the pot.
I switched their location to less light thinking maybe that it was winter, the sun is lower in the sky and that the sun was to0 bright now and not receiving enough shade. Hummm. Will post results in a couple weeks if they seem to pick back up a little life.

[nutgirl]

Could they possibly need more frequent watering? From your name I'm concluding you live in a very dry region?

Phals don't like to dry out completely.

[greenbean]

The same thing happened to my Phal about a year ago, except only one leaf died while the rest stayed healthy and happy and it continued to grow. It was very odd because it was the leaf just above where the spike emerged. It was like a leaf-shaped sack of goo. If I remember correctly (be warned, that's a pretty big "If") it coincided with some colder temperatures. Hope we can figure this out. I don't want it to have a relapse!

[Singingirl96]

Chances are you are underwatering it. this just happened to me... I had some issues that kept me from my normal watering schedule and my orchids went through a month of being underwatered. and the leaves were exactly the same way as yours.. the roots were wilting too.
This is what I did and they went back to normal.
Stop any fertilizers until they are back to normal.
In the morning get a pot or bowl. Put your flower pot in it and fill it with water until the water gets to the rim of the flower pot. Let it soak for about 15-20 minutes. The roots will become very green. Put it in a shady spot and put a clear plastic bag over it. A large ziplock bag worked for me, but I can't tell how large your pot is... whichever way, a clear bag. This will increase the humidity and still allow light in.
When it's time to water again, repeat the process.
Do that until the leaves and roots are back to normal.
Hope this helps. Good luck.

[Ross]

No matter what, the plants aren't getting enough water. Could be roots, could be dry air, could be insufficient water. If you are sure the roots are OK and the mix looks fine, then it has to be one of the other things.