ripped leaf moth orchid

[carrotcarp]

this is my first ever thread so here goes...well i brought a moth orchid from an asda shop near bodmin *laughs* it was a tester that i brought back from the dead i was aware it had a ripped leaf when i brought it but i didnt know how well it would do,well now its flowered with 5 large yellow blooms with red markings and the tear spoils its beauty. what do i do?

[Ross]

Originally Posted by carrotcarp

this is my first ever thread so here goes...well i brought a moth orchid from an asda shop near bodmin *laughs* it was a tester that i brought back from the dead i was aware it had a ripped leaf when i brought it but i didnt know how well it would do,well now its flowered with 5 large yellow blooms with red markings and the tear spoils its beauty. what do i do?

Welcome to the dark side I have no idea what to tell you, except welcome. Someone here should be able to help.

[Shirley]

Hello Carrotcarp and a big welcome to the Orchid Board Re your phal, is the torn leaf the top one or the only one on the plant? If it is a healthy green colour, it is still supporting the plant and should stay on. At times I've put scotch tape on both sides of the tear to make the leaf stronger and it hasn't seemed too objectionable. But if the appearance really bothers you, depending on where the tear is you could trim the leaf back to it and shape the leaf, also treating the cut edges with cinnamon or Captan. If the leaf is getting old and/or turning yellow, it may as well come off. Too bad! I have one of my own like this at the moment.

Shirley

[quiltergal]

No point in stressing the poor thing out by whacking on it's leaves. I'd just leave it alone. Eventually the leaf will get old and drop off. In the mean time enjoy those lovely flowers.

[cb977]

I have one like that too! I just leave (get it? ) it alone

I did read somewhere that you can use tape on the underside if it really bothers you.