Hi, I'm really new at orchids so I'm not sure if this is normal or not, but I have a white phalaenopsis orchid that started growing a new leaf 2 weeks ago. I've noticed the leaf is yellow at the base and has bright maroon-red spots, completely different from tip of the leaf which is green. is this normal or am I killing my beauty? (help! )
I'm not sure why it happens, but I have a phal that does the same thing, then as the leaves grow they become green like the older leaves. As long as the new leaf isn't soft and rotting, I wouldn't worry about it.
That's not necessarily a bad thing you have there! Has your phal finished it's blooming cycle? If it has and it's not too old of a plant, I'd cut off the stems growing from the plant to allow it to put more growth into the roots and leaves.
You might think it a bad idea at first, but when she flowers again next blooming cycle, you'll be grateful you did
P.S. That's just a thought and I'm by no means an expert; just learning from experience myself
Thank you all so much! *relieved* I was afraid something was drastically wrong.
As an aside, my new leaf is now 4.0 cm long! (she was 1.3cm 2 weeks ago)
Quote:
Originally Posted by learning2letgo
That's not necessarily a bad thing you have there! Has your phal finished it's blooming cycle? If it has and it's not too old of a plant, I'd cut off the stems growing from the plant to allow it to put more growth into the roots and leaves.
You might think it a bad idea at first, but when she flowers again next blooming cycle, you'll be grateful you did
P.S. That's just a thought and I'm by no means an expert; just learning from experience myself
She's not quite done with her flowers yet, I got her in February and she's been in full bloom ever since. Where should I cut the spikes off at after all the flowers fall off? (I've heard at the node where the first bloom is)
Peruse the other links on the American Orchid Society website. I feel quite assured you'll find the entire site very useful! Best of luck with your 'chid.