new phalaenopsis leaf with red spots?

[K.Veren]

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! )

[jkofferdahl]

It looks pretty normal. As the leaf grows out it should assume the color of the other leaves.

[Judi]

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.

[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

[priz_m]

Hi K.Veren, my phals do it also, only the spots are underneath the leaf for a while and then go away.

Orchids are funny that way, but at least is growing something so you must be doing something right

[K.Veren]

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)

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)

[learning2letgo]

This video here is a great way to learn how to cut away an old inflorescence (spike) after your phalaenopsis has finished blooming:

AOS | Where to Cut a Phalaenopsis Spike

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.