splotchy phal leaves - Orchid Board

VickiC · #1 06-04-2012, 08:42 PM

Hi everyone,
Could you please tell me what you think has caused my mounted phal leaves to have became splotchy/mottled? They appear somewhat 'water-logged' in spots, but are not quite so much when touching them as they appear. They are also more droopy and shriveled than they should be....a look of not enough water or nutrients getting to them.

I mist the roots usually once-twice daily with the same fertilizer/water that I soak my potted phals in. The potted phals do no have the same leaf problem. They look healthy. The exception to my watering regime is the forth week during which I mist them with clear water each day.

All four of my mounted phals looked healthy and bloomed nicely in the late fall/early winter, but their health began to slowly decline afterwards. I assumed that they had basically 'bloomed themselves to death' and would snap back, but they didn't.

All four phals had developed a healthy root system, but look rather shriveled and dessicated now. Being late Spring/early Summer, I have been hoping that new roots would take over and supply the plants with what they need, but few have grown.

I will appreciate any advice. Comments welcome, as well.
Vicki

Zoi2 · #2 06-04-2012, 10:09 PM

What kind of light and temperatures are your phals getting now?
Joann

Wynn Dee13 · #3 06-04-2012, 11:21 PM

It kind of looks like they could be getting too much light. Do you grow them outside? Also, Phals like quite a bit of moisture. I would think it would be hard to keep them watered enough being mounted. Especially in the warmer months. I would also think it would be hard to give them enough humidity. Maybe that's why your potted Phals are doing better. They have more moisture around their roots for longer periods. I know my mounted plants dry out within a couple hours.

VickiC · #4 06-04-2012, 11:54 PM

Hi Joann,
I've been shooting for 1000-1500 fc for my mounted phals in the greenhouse by moving them around a bit, but with our strange weather this spring/early summer, it's hard for me to pinpoint the amount of light they've actually been getting.

As for temps., they've fluctuated quite a bit within the last 2-3 mo. On an average, I would say day temps are approx. 80-90 degrees within the last mo., nights in the 60s...and very recently, in the low 50s.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zoi2

What kind of light and temperatures are your phals getting now?
Joann

quiltergal · #5 06-05-2012, 12:28 AM

If it's that warm in your greenhouse you should be soaking those babies not misting them. They aren't getting enough water. That's why the root system looks dessicated.

VickiC · #6 06-05-2012, 02:14 AM

Thanks for your reply. They may be getting too much light at times, but I'm trying to keep them within the correct light range, although it's sometimes difficult to control in my greenhouse....especially with the strange up, down, unpredictable weather conditions in our area the last couple-three months.

I realize that they are moisture lovers and I mist them heavily once-twice daily, as I said. I'll start soaking them, though, as Terri suggested.

Giving them enough humidity is not a problem I am having. I use an evaporative cooler (swamp cooler) and misters daily.

But...back to my question: Do you have advice or input concerning the leaves?

Thanks again for your reply,
Vicki

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wynn Dee13

It kind of looks like they could be getting too much light. Do you grow them outside? Also, Phals like quite a bit of moisture. I would think it would be hard to keep them watered enough being mounted. Especially in the warmer months. I would also think it would be hard to give them enough humidity. Maybe that's why your potted Phals are doing better. They have more moisture around their roots for longer periods. I know my mounted plants dry out within a couple hours.

VickiC · #7 06-05-2012, 02:25 AM

Hi Terri,
I'll start soaking them, but what about the leaves? Did you take a look at the pictures? I'd appreciate any advice or input as to why you think they look the way they do.
Vicki

Quote:

Originally Posted by quiltergal

If it's that warm in your greenhouse you should be soaking those babies not misting them. They aren't getting enough water. That's why the root system looks dessicated.

silken · #8 06-05-2012, 02:32 AM

It might not be an issue, but I would be concerned if my Phals were going from 90 degrees in the day to low 50's at night. That's pretty cool for when they are putting out new growth, which they are likely doing at this time of year. Leaves can get chilled. It's just a thought and I don't know if your potted ones are subject to the same cool temps.

Wynn Dee13 · #9 06-05-2012, 04:16 AM

The only thing I can think of is that the light is too high and the leaves are turning splotchy from that. It also could be the huge temperature swings from morning to night. Are your potted Phals getting the same light levels as the mounted ones? But if your potted Phals are getting the same light and temps and don't have the same problem I don't know why that is happening. Maybe it is stress from not enough water, too high light, and the temp swings? I'm just throwing stuff out there because I really don't know why the leaves are looking like that.

lepetitmartien · #10 06-05-2012, 07:11 AM

Like Silken wrote, it could not be an issue on the leaves at all. Now the only thing that can spring to my mind is light related: a little too much or adaptation issues.

Swinging from 32°C to 10°C is way too much. Phals like the warm, and a reasonable 10°C day/night swing. 10°C is too low, it may not kill them on the spot, but getting that much down could be harmful if repeated. I'd try to be upper than 15-17°C and in 10°C span range if possible. I may add that troubles arise on leaves when you pass them from hot to too cold at night, things like edema, or even destroyed cells. If it's something related, it should evolve into something more evident sometimes soon.

If I'm right, you should watch closely for any disease starting up, as you may have stressed plants and opened doors on the leaves possibly.

I really hope it's benign, but I'd watch that day/night temperature values and span, cooking/freezing your phals won't lead to the better IMHO.