what is this?

[Ray]

I agree with Terri.

The apical meristem (the growth tip) of the mother plant is dead, so it appears to be forming another. It's basically the same principle as "topping" a plant to get it to be more "bushy".

The aerial roots look to be in good shape, but it looks like that thing is desperate for water!

[VickiC]

I didn't know that, Terri. The little thing is so tiny now, but when it gets bigger (and if it's indeed a keiki, which I now feel sure that it is) I'll know not to try to remove it. Thanks for clueing me in...I'm always a sponge when it comes to learning new info.

Originally Posted by quiltergal

It looks like a basal Keiki to me as well. You really can't separate basal Keikis. They are part of the main plant, not an independent plantlet.

[VickiC]

Thanks for explaining, Ray.

The plant does look very dry but I watered it and a few others the day before. That one and 3 or 4 more look thirsty most of the time. ?? When I water, I sit each of my orchids that are not in S/H in it's own separate bowl of fertilized water and let them soak for a few mins. After that, I pour the water that each one is soaking in back through the top. Is my routine ok or is there something that I should change?
Thanks again,
Vicki

Originally Posted by Ray

I agree with Terri.

The apical meristem (the growth tip) of the mother plant is dead, so it appears to be forming another. It's basically the same principle as "topping" a plant to get it to be more "bushy".

The aerial roots look to be in good shape, but it looks like that thing is desperate for water!

[VickiC]

So, hopefully I can look forward to a new healthy plant. Good! The phal has been looking bad for quite sometime, so I'm glad now that I didn't give up on it. Obviously, there's a lot to be said for patience.....which I'm trying hard to learn. I am not a patient person, basically, so it's a struggle.
Thanks!
Vicki

Originally Posted by Junebug

I'd bet it's a keiki too. I had a phal that had good roots but dropped every leaf but one. I kept caring for it and it eventually produced a healthy basal keiki. I'm not going to separate it from the mother leaf. If it's happy I leave well enough alone.

[Junebug]

Originally Posted by VickiC

So, hopefully I can look forward to a new healthy plant. Good! The phal has been looking bad for quite sometime, so I'm glad now that I didn't give up on it. Obviously, there's a lot to be said for patience.....which I'm trying hard to learn. I am not a patient person, basically, so it's a struggle.
Thanks!
Vicki

With time and patience you'll discover that orchids have an amazing will to live. I've included some photos of my "one leaf wonder" so you can see that there really is hope.

I believe my problem began due to overspray from a heavy overnight thunderstorm. My screened in porch is pretty well protected from the elements, but sometimes the windy storms will blow rain right through the screens.

The damage began in August 2008.
The photo of the single leaf was taken in April 2009 and I took the last picture today.

[RosieC]

Great success story Junebug, it gives us all hope for those we are trying to save

[Sandy4453]

Hard to tell but it looks like a root to me. Overall, your plant doesn't look that bad. If this does turn out to be a root, I would then repot the plant, deeper in the pot.

[VickiC]

Thanks Sandy!

Originally Posted by Sandy4453

Hard to tell but it looks like a root to me. Overall, your plant doesn't look that bad. If this does turn out to be a root, I would then repot the plant, deeper in the pot.

[VickiC]

I hope it has a will to live as much as I want it to live. I'm glad yours is going to be ok. As Rosie said, your story gives up hope.
Thanks!
Vicki

Originally Posted by Junebug

With time and patience you'll discover that orchids have an amazing will to live. I've included some photos of my "one leaf wonder" so you can see that there really is hope.

I believe my problem began due to overspray from a heavy overnight thunderstorm. My screened in porch is pretty well protected from the elements, but sometimes the windy storms will blow rain right through the screens.

The damage began in August 2008.
The photo of the single leaf was taken in April 2009 and I took the last picture today.