what is happening?

[mattryan]

everyone i hope someone will be able to help me. I've had this orchid for over a year it grew the upper-most leaf over the summer and some new roots. My question is this why and what is happening to this leaf? It started to yellow a bit the other day and has gotten worse each day..I unpotted it too look at the roots and they are fine. I have been very careful bout watering especially since i lost 3 in quick succession . If it were a bottom leaf i would not be so concerned but it isn't. I also checked for bugs didn't see anything. I did move this and 5 other orchids into kitchen over a month ago the others all seem fine. Any ideas would be very helpfull. Thankyou

[Triffid]

Out of curiosity. You said you've moved it, has it been moved to somewhere where it is getting more light? Or even more direct light?

Some phals (depending on the heritage) do not like do be under too much light at all, and can sulk as a result. Had something similar happen to one of mine and after repositioning it to another room, it got better. I lost a leaf, but the rest were fine. Though on mine the leaf was half way. That was 6 months ago, but it seems fine now and has even re-bloomed.
I have a few noids and each seems to have their own quirks as it were.

Just a thought.

Hope it's nothing too serious though.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Is it perhaps getting wetter than usual?

Maybe when you're washing the dishes, some of the water is splashing onto the orchids.

If it's close to the sink, maybe move it further away from the sink.

If they're staying wetter, reduce the amount of water they get.


If it really is a sun issue, just move it away from the brighter light.

I think you caught this problem early enough to not have anything serious happen to it. Just act fast.

[Orchid126]

Triffid's suggestion is a good one. The change in light may be affecting the leaf. Feel the leaf. If it's warm, it may be too much light. In any case, pull the plant back an inch or two (light drops dramatically for every inch away from the source). Then feel the leaves again.

Then as King says, watch the watering. Be careful of getting any in the crevices. If you do, mop it up with a paper towel or something.

[mattryan]

Thanks for the replies i think the light is about the same maybe even less was in a southern room with sliding glass door now in northern with east and north windows. It is nowhere near where i do the dishes and i have a fan running all day on them soo i am stumped i don't see any signs of rot and the leaves are very firm. Hopefully it is nothing.but i'll keep you posted in case someone else has this same experience. Thanks again

[PinkCloud]

hmm.. hard to say really.. Is there any cold or hot drafts anywhere close to the plant? or when you water has any water been left in the crown of the plant or maybe when you mist do you mist the leaves?
These are just a few suggestions I came to think of.
I really hope your plant starts feeling better soon!

[Eyebabe]

It looks like pseudomonas or erwinia to me...unfortunately I've seen it too many times.
Leaf yellowing close to the base, and one of the newer leaves is concerning.
Doesn't look like a sun issue.
I would treat with Phyton 27 and hope for the best.

[ELORCHID]

I had a similar thing happen with one of my Phals recently. The second newest leaf started to turn yellow and eventually came off. The bark that it was on didn't look that deteriorated and its was growing new roots, but I repotted it anyways. When I repotted (in spagnum) I noticed that the plant had some dead roots so I cut the dead parts off. I am happy to say that it is now growing a new leaf. I let the spagnum get dry before I water it again. Hope this helps.

[Connie Star]

Is nitrogen deficiency a possibility? No one has mentioned that yet, so I assume it's not likely.

[quiltergal]

I had one do that about a month ago. It shed a big leaf right out of the middle. It was very strange. The plant is blooming now and seems fine. Don't know what caused it. Very mysterious!