Phal help please, yellow shriveled leaf

[anthonyat]

I just bought a beautiful phal orchid. it was fine for about 6 days and now the lower three blooms have wilted and the lowermost leaf is having problems. it is yellowing down the middle at the 'seam' and has a leathery texture, kind of shriveled. Also the tip is brown and drying, curling under. The leaf is no longer smooth and reflective. I have been watering with a spray bottle until the moss it is planted is moist and I don't water again until the moss is dry. It has been right next a window that gets about 7-8 hours of good filtered light. Any advice would be most appreciated.

[Zoi2]

Hello Anthonyat and welcome to the Orchid Board.
You are probably keeping your phal too wet, and the roots are rotting. Pop the plant out of the pot and check the roots. If they are brown/black mushy, they are rotten and need to be cut off. If they are green or silvery white they are healthy. Moss has a tendency to stay wet in the middle, even if the top is dry and crunchy. You ought to repot in an orchid mix that allows for plenty of drainage and air.
Can you post a picture?
Joann

[anthonyat]

I will be able to post a picture on Mon, I don't have the cable to upload a pic from my camera to this computer! I just don't want anything to happen in interim. Thanks a bunch for your reply and welcome. I'll check its roots.

[anthonyat]

Roots are definitely headed toward brown. Is there any way to save them? They are still firm and not slimy at all.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

1. Cut off any dead roots.

2. Down pot if potting. Using a clear plastic pot makes the root zone easier to see.

3. Use large grade fir bark (orchid bark) if potting.

or...

1. Cut off dead roots

2. Mount onto a piece of wood.

Your choice. I prefer mounting because of my environment. It's easier for me. Mounting also allows me to easily see the roots.

Spring and summer are prime Phal growing season. They grow like crazy this time of year. All my Phal are showing signs of growth right now. Anything from roots to leaves. The only thing left are flower spikes.

[anthonyat]

Thanks a bunch!