phal producing no new leaves

[bettyboop]

This phal recently had a problem with wilted leaves which I have corrected - but over a period of at least a year, no new leaves have been produced. Most recent flowering in late December has been healthy and existing leaves are dark green and upright - lowest leaf shows some yellowing on one edge probably due to too much sun. Any ideas?

[ChasWG]

Maybe the plant is putting it's energy into root growth. And I think the yellowing on the lowest leaf is just that leaf getting old and it is time to shed that one. Phals usually turn a reddish when they get too much sun.

[Pilot]

To add what Chas has said, I've read that when a phal is a deep green, it could be because of too little light. I've also read several places that the leaves of a phal should be a lighter green-- not yellow-- but a light green.

[jkofferdahl]

Leaf color in a Phal is actually kind of variable, but a lighter, lime green often indicates proper light. Dark greens tend to indicate that the palnt isn't getting enough light.

Production of a flower spike is, from the plant's perspective, production of a highly specialized leaf. On a lot of my Phals, they may even start growth of a leaf, but that growth slows a LOT or even pauses while they spike and until the bloom period ends. If the plant has good root growth, don't worry too much about it. However, if the plant is root-poor I'd suggest clipping the spike(s) so that the plant can focus growth energy on root and leaf production. My guess is that now that Spring is here you're going to soon see a new leaf peeking from the plant's crown.

[Pilot]

jkofferdahl--

Since leaf growth is suspended during blooming, is root growth also suspended?

[bettyboop]

All my orchids are in a east/southeast facing window, getting plenty of light. My other phal has recently produced a new leaf while also in bloom and has numerous lower leaves which are a lighter green. I think Chas' comment about forming new roots is probably correct. Thanks for all the answers.

[ChasWG]

I have one Phal that is both in bloom (with more buds to open) and it has two new leaves growing out. Dan (Austinerd) has the same noid Phal (nick named Phal. carlnoidious) and his is doing the same thing. A very vigorous plant indeed. My plant's leaves are a lighter green with redish edges on some leaves.

I have another harlequin Phal that has much, much darrker colored leaves. It sits in an East facing window and gets a ton on light on it. The leaves are all perky and very ridgid. It think it just has darker leaves. Some plants are just different.

[Pilot]

Originally Posted by bettyboop

All my orchids are in a east/southeast facing window, getting plenty of light. My other phal has recently produced a new leaf while also in bloom and has numerous lower leaves which are a lighter green. I think Chas' comment about forming new roots is probably correct. Thanks for all the answers.

You're right bettyboop-- I didn't mean to suggest it was a hard and fast rule but a generalization. If your other phals are performing well in current light, then the phal in question is just behaving they way it should. These plants have enough mind-of-their-own that generalizations should be taken lightly. For instance, though my yellow noid is in full bloom and its bracts/nodes haven't been disturbed, they're growing-- what, I do not know.

Good luck with your plant.

[jkofferdahl]

Originally Posted by Pilot

jkofferdahl--

Since leaf growth is suspended during blooming, is root growth also suspended?

There are a lot of generalizations in orchid growing, and my answer sure included them. Leaf growth isn't ALWAYS suspended in a Phal when it spikes, and root growth may also continue. It depends on the plant's health, the growth media, the growing conditions, and, sometimes, just what sort of mood the plant itself is in.

Likewise, the leaf color is general. Some Phals will simply have darker leaves. Some have mottled leaves. Some have lighter leaves even when given low light.

It's kind of like how you can even find differences in twins.

[learning2letgo]

I saw give your plant a through inspection... from the texture and thickness of her leaves, all the way down the roots and your medium... If all looks fine, allow her to tend to herself... Most orchids, especially the phalaenopsis are very hardy and vigorous plants... Other than you being the source of fertilizer, water and movement for light - they do the rest

Interesting little jewlels they are...