New leaves but are they ok?? - Orchid Board

denise1212 · #1 09-19-2007, 05:56 PM

Hi all,

Im wondering about another plant that I have that is growing new leaves (very exciting!) They are kinda lighter color and have some discoloration just a little bit. Is this bad? Also do I cut off the spike if its not dried up, this plant dropped all blooms in I think it was Feb.

Denise

puddin · #2 09-19-2007, 06:01 PM

Yes, you can cut off the flower spike. It doesn't have to be dried up in order to cut it.
As for the leaf, I think it will be alright, but I'm not sure. Since it's growing, I would think it would fix the color once it's stopped, but don't carve my words in stone.

Dorothy · #3 09-19-2007, 06:09 PM

When some phal leaves grow, they appear lighter green toward and at the crown. No fears - that's normal

Just keep water out of it's crown
Great root growth on it, also

denise1212 · #4 09-19-2007, 06:15 PM

OK cool! Thanks!

Yes there is a new leaf in that new one so 2 new leaves woo hoo

Looks like there is a new little spike trying to grow there too so I will cut off the old one.

Denise

denise1212 · #5 12-29-2007, 05:49 PM

Well few months later and the leaves are just a bit bigger. Is this normal to grow so slow? One other question there is a tiny little spike trying to grow and has been for months maybe even more than 6 months. Any suggestions?

http://lh3.google.com/denise.dresbac...JPG?imgmax=800

Ray · #6 12-30-2007, 10:43 AM

Slow growth can relate to being too cool, insufficient light (unlikely with phals, unless it's in a closet), or insufficient food. Can you tell us more about your culture?

I also see no signs of a spike. That white nub appears to be a root with a broken tip.

ehuber · #7 12-30-2007, 10:44 AM

Hi Denise,

I am a newbie to orchids myself so take what I say with a grain of salt... My phalaenopsis grow their leaves pretty slowly (but not as slow as my other orchids!) so it is an exercise in patience watching them grow. However, if it is SUPER slow, and with the spike not really making any progress, it makes me wonder if the plant is getting enough light. I would put it in an east facing window: that way it won't get sunburned but will get some nice steady morning light.

I have also read in my books that when a phal does not get enough light that the leaf growth will be far apart on the main stalk -- i.e., some distance between old leaves and new leaves. It does look like in the picture there is a fair bit of space between the leaves.

Anyway those are my thoughts but I could be totally wrong! Hope it is helpful.

denise1212 · #8 12-31-2007, 02:18 AM

I believe it is too dark. I have them in a corner next to a window but they are shoved back. I am going to bring them closer to the window so they get the morning light. I hope that helps them! I bet it is too cold as well. It gets as low as 48 or so degrees in our living room at night if we don't have the fireplace going.

Oh yes and the white broken root is not where the green spike is it is on the oposite side. Too small to see in the pic I think. It has been there same size for months and months now.

Thanks!
Denise