Leaf Tip Blackening - Phalaenopsis

[RebekahJoy]

Hi there,

I received a Phalaenopsis orchid mid February in full bloom and about a week after I noticed that the tip of one of the top leaves began to turn yellow. Lately the base of the yellow tip has turned black, (as the picture shows). What is causing this? I've been careful not to over-water it, and it's by an eastern facing window. I've searched online for info, but can't find anything. I'm hoping you can help me figure out what I need to do to keep this from getting worse! I want to keep this orchid alive and healthy.

Thanks!

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Please check roots. Unpot please.

How often and how much fertilizer are you using?

[camille1585]

Has that part of the leaf been touching the window? It's been quite cold the past few weeks, so maybe the part of the leaf got cold damage.

Could also be fertilizer burn, which is why Philip is asking those questions I suppose.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Originally Posted by camille1585

Could also be fertilizer burn, which is why Philip is asking those questions I suppose.

Yup, yup!

[RebekahJoy]

Originally Posted by King_of_orchid_growing:)

Please check roots. Unpot please.

How often and how much fertilizer are you using?

Hi Philip, I've attached pictures of the roots. The ones that I see through the plastic pot seem pretty green and plump, but there are some on the top that are yellow and dry (or drying out). Some of the roots above the moss have cracked in some places and have some yellowy/brown discoloration on them. Please let me know if it seems like this needs to be repotted. I have no clue.

I'm actually not currently using a fertilizer. I read that you only should water once the moss no longer seems moist, so in the 3 weeks I've had the plant, I've actually only watered it once. (About a week ago, and I'm thinking I'll water it again in a day or two.) Maybe I've watered it too little, but it seems like the moss stays moist for a long time. Because I've only watered it once, I figured I didn't need to look into fertilizer yet. I probably should, though. If so, what kind would you recommend?

Thank you!

[RebekahJoy]

Originally Posted by camille1585

Has that part of the leaf been touching the window? It's been quite cold the past few weeks, so maybe the part of the leaf got cold damage.

Could also be fertilizer burn, which is why Philip is asking those questions I suppose.

No, that part of the leaf hasn't been touching the window, although it has been facing towards it. (The flowers are best viewed with the plant that direction. ) Should I move it, though, so that that leaf isn't facing the window?

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

There's most likely root rot going on. You gotta pull the thing out of the pot. The roots on the outside will look good. The roots in the center is most likely (not always) a rotten mess.

You must pull it out of the pot to see if there's root rot. You can't just look at the roots the way you're looking at them. That's a common rookie mistake.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Btw, moss can retain much more moisture than you think. Especially towards the center.

I don't recommend using moss for Phals. There are a number of better methods to grow Phals.

The reason for this is because of how they grow in the wild.

Here are some blogs and pics:

Sarawak Lens: Exploring former Phalaenopsis bellina habitat Part 1

Google Image Result for http://lh6.ggpht.com/_F4h2El7hQQo/SvwZMZf8_bI/AAAAAAAAAlk/BzMm3uGr26E/phalaenopsis%20orchid%207_thumb.jpg

The Kerangas

[RebekahJoy]

Originally Posted by King_of_orchid_growing:)

Btw, moss can retain much more moisture than you think. Especially towards the center.

I don't recommend using moss for Phals. There are a number of better methods to grow Phals.

The reason for this is because of how they grow in the wild.

Here are some blogs and pics:

Sarawak Lens: Exploring former Phalaenopsis bellina habitat Part 1

Google Image Result for http://lh6.ggpht.com/_F4h2El7hQQo/SvwZMZf8_bI/AAAAAAAAAlk/BzMm3uGr26E/phalaenopsis%20orchid%207_thumb.jpg

The Kerangas

Thanks for the quick reply! I am a complete rookie when it comes to growing orchids, so I appreciate your insight here.

I can see that it would probably be better to plant this phalaenopsis in a bark mixture over the moss, based on their natural habitat. Would you advise, then, that I go ahead and repot the orchid in a bark mixture even though this orchid is in full bloom (10 flowers, 2 buds still closed).

Also, would you have any sources you could point me to for information on how to repot this/how to remove rotten roots/where to cut them? I'm wondering if just cutting the rotten roots off is enough, or if I need to put some kind of an anti-rot substance on them. Any advice you have would be greatly appreciated. The idea of just digging in with scissors and just "going for it" scares me!

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Yes, I'd recommend bark, SH is fine too. If you've got the place, desire, and time, mounting them on wood is good too.

There is a section on mounting here on the OB.

Repotting:

This is one way...

How to Re-pot Phalaenopsis Orchids: Gardening Help | eHow.com

I wouldn't "jam" anything in though. Just lightly pack the potting medium in.

Btw, as you can see from the pics of Phals in the wild, they don't naturally grow upright.