Newbie with a Yellow Spots on Phal Leaves - Orchid Board

gataalocaa · #1 02-22-2012, 03:16 PM

Hello!
I am soooo very new to Orchids. My mom gave me a phalaenopsis she had for 10 years in the same pot. It did stink, and over a month ago I repotted it in a slightly bigger pot with new mix.
It seemed to be doing well and has started budding new leaves.
But recently this popped up on the leaves--
Could I have overwatered it? And left it in the sun too long? Or is it dying?
Please help as I would loooove to save this plant.
Thanks in advance!

RalphJones · #2 02-22-2012, 03:42 PM

They look like very large sunspots to me. But I have never seen any that kill almost 1/2 of the leaf. If they are not sunspots, I would guess they are maybe a fungus of some sort. Others on the board will have much more info than I. Best of luck!

Ralph

gataalocaa · #3 02-22-2012, 03:51 PM

Thanks Ralph! I do hope they are just sun spots I assume sun spots do not mean death..?
It would make sense that they are sun spots since I had the plant in the sun for a few days until I noticed that. I have since placed her back where I had her before where she doesn't get direct sunlight.

I am eager to hear what others have to say...

camille1585 · #4 02-22-2012, 04:40 PM

That looks like sunburn to me, especially since you say it was left in the sun. There's no reason for the plant to not survive, it'll just be set back for some time until new leaves grow.

That pot does look a bit big for it, Phals like to be snug in their pots. Basically you need to put it in whatever size the roots comfortably fit, without you having to jam it in though. And does that pot have lots of holes in the bottom, or only 1 small hole?

gataalocaa · #5 02-22-2012, 04:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by camille1585

That looks like sunburn to me, especially since you say it was left in the sun. There's no reason for the plant to not survive, it'll just be set back for some time until new leaves grow.

That pot does look a bit big for it, Phals like to be snug in their pots. Basically you need to put it in whatever size the roots comfortably fit, without you having to jam it in though. And does that pot have lots of holes in the bottom, or only 1 small hole?

Thanks Camille!
It had been in a 4 inch pot for 10 years and I just recently repotted it into the larger pot you see which is about 6 inches. Are you suggesting I pot it back into the old pot it was in?
This new pot you see does have a marble sized hole on the bottom. And per the advice of the Home Depot garden lady I lined the bottom of the pot with rocks and marbles and then I added the orchid mix.
Is there anything else should be doing other than watering this plant? I have read some people use sprays and vitamins or feeders..? I have no knowledge of all this stuff and nor do I have a lot of money to spend.
If there is one thing I should do for this plant on a regular basis (other than water and love it) what would that be?? I have become slightly obsessed with 'saving' this plant and getting it to bloom for me

Thanks again!

camille1585 · #6 02-22-2012, 05:03 PM

Whether or not that pot is the right fit depends what you think, I don't know what the root system is like. If the roots were coiling around and around on the inside of the previous pot, then yes, it was too small.

As for what to give it other than water, fertilizer is all you need. Either use a fertilizer specifically for orchids at the recommended strength, or if you use one for 'normal' plants (with a NPS ratio along the lines of 20-20-20 for instance), then use a quarter of the dose.

gataalocaa · #7 02-22-2012, 05:10 PM

actually a lot of the roots i had to cut off because they looked rotted. and it didn't have that many to begin with. and before i potted it i sprinkled cinnamon on it to prevent fungus...?

camille1585 · #8 02-22-2012, 05:22 PM

If you sprinkled cinnamon all over the roots (and not just covered the wounds), then you need to unpot and rinse it all off. Cinnamon is extremely desiccant (ever put powder on your tongue?) and it will actually drain moisture from the roots. A better preventative treatment is to spray plain listerine onto the roots. (yes, the mouthwash!) Some people here swear by it when they repot.

If there aren't many roots left, then you probably need to put it back into the smaller pot.

gataalocaa · #9 02-22-2012, 05:35 PM

oops...i swear i read that on another site about the cinnamon. so if this were your plant and knowing about the cinnamon, you would take it out, rinse the roots, and put it back into the smaller pot. I will do that today if need be, my question is (and im sorry for all the questions) other than rinsing the smaller pot out would you bleach it or use soap to wash it or just water? And can i use the same mix its in now or again repot it with new mix from the bag?
Keep the marbles and rocks?
And water it today after repotting?
....i think thats it- thank u!

Bud · #10 02-22-2012, 05:35 PM

Camille is right, cinammon powder will dessicate the roots...its best to make a water paste if you are using powder, then dab the cut on the roots with the paste.
It doesnt look like 10 years old Phal...I have seen a 6 year old Phal and its really very large with at least 22 leaves on it with each leaf measuring 15 inches in lenghth...your plant must be a mini.

you put the plant in direct sunlight so it will burn...this kind of plant must be in shaded or indirect sun if you want it outdoors...

you can read some of the postings of other members to care for your Phal...you will find it very informative.