The Phal abuse ends here.

[Cintirella]

( One of my Orchids )- I got and Orchid in January, and when finished with flowers I cut the spike right above the second node. So now a new spike emerged from the top node and has 4 buds so far. When it's done flowering, I will cut it all the way, to give her a chance to rest for next year.
*I usually don't cut because this year my very 1st Orchid from last year, instead of awaken in Spring for new flowers, SHE GAVE ME 2 BABIES. They are growing fast ( 3 leaves each baby ) and soon roots. So I'm glad I didn't cut the stem last year. I will tho this year. She will need much needed rest.

[Yanquister]

Need help with a Phal please! I tried to read all through the sticky and (unless I missed it, for which I deeply apologize), what in the world is happening to this leaf? This has been one of my happier plants and they have all given me year round blooms AND a priceless hobby (flowering spikes or not). The last couple of days I noticed this one had a withering leaf, and my water schedule (around every 8-10 days in this humid climate in south MS/LA area), but the leaf looks horrible! Has something gone wrong or is this natural? My others have never done this (yet), and as of now they have all been perfectly healthy and flowering on their own time (one phal after blooming four months miraculously showed up with two new spikes, and this one was considered one of my healthier ones! Please? Any advice to give this worried phal lover please?? (I've tried to attach a photo but I'm using my iPhone, please let me know if it doesn't work!)

Thanks so much guys, you and all your info/input is just a wealth of information that I read religiously!!!

[butterfly_muse]

I don't really know that much but a quick google led me to this: http://www.orchidboard.com/community...al-leaves.html

I would say probably a fungus or infection of some sort?

[Yanquister]

Thanks Butterfly_Muse. Would you advice me to remove it with a pair of sterile cutters? Or let it dry up and fall off. As much as I am experienced by trial and errors this one has left me baffled...I went so long without ANY problems and thought I might just have this down to a "Phal science" and boom! Monkey wrench! Lol

[butterfly_muse]

Originally Posted by Yanquister

Thanks Butterfly_Muse. Would you advice me to remove it with a pair of sterile cutters? Or let it dry up and fall off. As much as I am experienced by trial and errors this one has left me baffled...I went so long without ANY problems and thought I might just have this down to a "Phal science" and boom! Monkey wrench! Lol

I have absolutely no idea. I'd wait and see if other people reply to this, and what they think it is. In the mean time, if you do a search through the forum, you may find more. A Google search will also probably help you. Depending on what it is will determine your course of action. If it's a fungus, it could just be cleared up with fungicide without the need to remove the leaf. If it's a virus, I've never had experience with that (only been into orchids for 3 months or so), so I don't know what to tell you.

[gingersmommy]

I am wondering if I should move my phals outside for the summer. I know not to put them in the sun, etc., but I am worried that they might pick up pests, especially mealys. I fought - and I think finally won - a fight with mealys for two years (should have resorted to chemical pesticides long before I did). They ruined many a spike and it was very discouraging. I inspect my orchids every day and still spray about every two weeks. I am very paranoid, though, that I am going to see them again on the flowers when my orchids do spike.

[Yanquister]

Well thank you so much for your help! I pray other people see this. I'm a little hesitant to say orchids have taken over my life, and I'm scared to lose my baby! Haha

[Talila6]

Originally Posted by gingersmommy

I am wondering if I should move my phals outside for the summer. I know not to put them in the sun, etc., but I am worried that they might pick up pests, especially mealys. I fought - and I think finally won - a fight with mealys for two years (should have resorted to chemical pesticides long before I did). They ruined many a spike and it was very discouraging. I inspect my orchids every day and still spray about every two weeks. I am very paranoid, though, that I am going to see them again on the flowers when my orchids do spike.

Everyone that I talk to concerning putting Phals outside say it is a bad idea. Phals and their allies do best in a controlled environment.

[butterfly_muse]

Originally Posted by Talila6

Everyone that I talk to concerning putting Phals outside say it is a bad idea. Phals and their allies do best in a controlled environment.

I can say that I personally fried three of my phals' leaves by putting them outside. I thought they were in indirect sunlight. Turns out, not so much. Since then I have not ventured into putting them back outside and am quite happy leaving them right where they are. In a few years when we get a grown-up house that has more than one orientation of windows, I might try again. But for now I'm too scared. I have heard of others, though, putting them out under a shade screen and having them do well.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Originally Posted by Yanquister

Thanks Butterfly_Muse. Would you advice me to remove it with a pair of sterile cutters? Or let it dry up and fall off.

You don't have to remove the leaf. I wouldn't.

Originally Posted by Yanquister

As much as I am experienced by trial and errors this one has left me baffled...I went so long without ANY problems and thought I might just have this down to a "Phal science" and boom! Monkey wrench! Lol

It happens quite a bit.