Phal with one yellow leaf and yellow on leaf tips, help!

[fezz2619]

I received a two-stem phalaenopsis for Christmas a few weeks ago from my boyfriend who told me the florist said to water once every 6-8 weeks. I have since researched and found that that was incorrect! I was away for one week and when I returned, one of the bottom leaves had turned completely yellow. Also, the tips of two of the green leaves have a little bit of yellow/black on them and two blooms on one of the stems shriveled before they bloomed. There are still three other blooms that haven't opened, the other stem appears to be fine.

I moved over the weekend, so here are the before and after conditions:

Before: the orchid had some light indirect light, but not a lot and wasn't watered for two weeks.

After: the orchid has indirect light all day and I watered the roots using a spray bottle. These conditions probably haven't had an affect yet because I moved the orchid last night.

Here are the pictures of the yellow leaf, pot (which is a glass jar), roots, and the leaf tips. Please help! This is my first and I absolutely love it.

[Wjs2nd]

It needed more water.

[fezz2619]

Thanks for your reply. So if I continue to water it regularly, one or twice per week, will it hopefully recover?

Also, since I'm so new to this, what's an adequate amount of water?

[silken]

It looks to me like it is potted directly in the glass jar?? If this is correct and there is no drainage, you will likely kill the plant. There are lots of threads on this forum about Phals including one called 'The Phal Abuse Ends Here' You should do some searches and read up on others' experiences.
However, for a quick answer, Most orchids (including Phals) need to have very good drainage and be able to get some air to their roots or they will rot in very short order. Maybe this was just potted up to look nice and not last long. Can you see any of it's roots in the jar? I would get some orchid potting material (often bark chunks, sphagnum moss, or coconut husk chunks, etc. then find a plastic pot with good drainage holes. The size should be only big enough to fit the roots. Cut off any rotten and dead ((brown and mushy) roots and pot it in the pre-soaked potting media. Once it is potted, you should let it dry out well so the roots can heal before watering again. Then only water when it is dry or nearly dry. Usually once a week or every 10 days but it depends on your conditions and humidity levels. I hope this helps. Also do not get water in the crown of the plant as crown rot can happen.

Welcome and keep us posted as to how things go.

[Zoi2]

Hello and welcome!
Here is the link to the thread Silken refered to. It is well worth the read for information on phals. http://www.orchidboard.com/community...ends-here.html
Joann

[fezz2619]

Thanks so much for the insight. Yes, I think the florist offered to repot the plant in a "pretty" glass jar before my boyfriend bought it (money earning tactic?). I'll find a new pot tomorrow!

[silken]

Good plan. Don't wait too long as root rot can set in fast. If you need help or want an opinion on the roots, post us pics here and we will help. Healthy roots are firm. When they are dry they are sort of silvery white and they are green when wet.

[fezz2619]

Originally Posted by silken

Good plan. Don't wait too long as root rot can set in fast. If you need help or want an opinion on the roots, post us pics here and we will help. Healthy roots are firm. When they are dry they are sort of silvery white and they are green when wet.

Thanks, this helped a lot. When I removed the decorative rocks around the roots, they are definitely silvery white. I watered the roots this morning and am planning to visit the florist this evening to get a different pot that drains!

[silken]

The florist should have known better. They could have just provided a nice pot and left the orchid potted in a proper one to go inside the nice pot. Glad you have some good roots left.