Yellow Stem on Phal

[Charlene]

Once again--thank you. There is so much to learn. I hope I can contain it all. As Homer Simpson once said, "... every time I learn something new, it pushes some old stuff out of my brain - remember when I took that home winemaking course, and I forgot how to drive?"

If that happens, there is always public transportation.

[Charlene]

Good Morning

Just when you thought I was gone, I'm baaaaack with more questions.

First, African Violets are very sensitive about water on their leaves--are orchids sensitive also?

Second, when purchasing a new orchid, what should I look for? Now that I have two, I kind of am hooked.

Thanks again.

[camille1585]

They're not sensitive in the same way as african violets are. The issue with getting water on leaves of phals is that if you get some in the crown there is a risk of the plant developing crown rot, which may cause the death of the plant. If you do get water in the crown (happens to me nearly everytime I water!) just take a corner of paper towel to soak it up. But in general it's not really bad to wet orchid leaves, as long as they are not in the sun when wet (like all plants) and if it's early in the day it's ok. Wet leaves in the evening can be disasterous as they don't have time to dry by nighttime, and it can lead to rot. If you can avoid wetting leaves, that's good.

I suppose when you talk about purchasing new orchids you mean phals? What you want to look for is a plant that has nice firm leaves, free of disease (black spots, mushy areas...). If you can see the roots through the pot, avoid plants that clearly have root rot. The bigger the root system the better. If you can't see the roots, usually I poke around the top of the medium and have a peek at the roots like that. If you want a phal that you want to enjoy in bloom, try to pick a plant that only has a few open blooms and a lot of buds.

[Call_Me_Bob]

i just blow real hard into the crown, and all the water splashes out

[Charlene]

Thanks again.

[Call_Me_Bob]

no problemo!

[Charlene]

Good Morning

I'm getting a little concerned about one of my Phals. I know you said that most times yellow leaves are just part of the normal aging process. However, my one Phal has already lost two leaves and the remaining two do not look so good. I do not see any new leaves forming to take the place of the old leaves, but (and this is the confusing part) the plant has several flowers, one just opened the other day and there is another flower which looks like it will probably open soon. There also appears to be a new bud forming. Can you give me some idea about what is going on? I've attached photos and would be grateful for your wisdom.

Charlene

[RosieC]

Hmmm, that's not looking good. Loosing one or two of the lowest leaves is normal but you shouldn't get them all yellowing like that.

Flowers are not a good indication of health but I am suprised they have not faded.

I'm afraid to me that plant looks like a gonner, but I have no idea what has caused it. I'm afraid I don't think there is much chance to save it even if we knew the cause, as when both the remaining leaves are so yellow in the center it will be unlikely to make it.

[Call_Me_Bob]

im afraid i cant help. it happened to one of mine, it was doing fine one day, and then it got yellow like that. i touched one of the leaves to see if it was still plump, and i just barely touched it, and the leaf fell off!!

[Charlene]

I think I'm going to cry. Guess I'll just enjoy the flowers for now.