the leaves fell off!

[karen_f]

I received a phalanopsis as a gift. The plant has been in my office since I received it from the florist. It seemed to be doing well, until I went on vacation for 10 days. When I returned, the outer leaves were starting to yellow at the base. Eventually, they fell off, one-by-one. Today the youngest leaf just fell off. The stem seems to be spongy and is white....but the flowers and some roots still look well.

Is there a chance that new leaves will grow? Is there a way to recover the plant?

Thanks for the advice.

[Ray]

Yes, there is a chance. Not a great one, but a chance.

In such a situation, I would do this:

• Cut off the flower spike.
• Unpot the plant to check the condition of the subsurface roots and the medium.
• Cut off mushy roots and repot in fresh, moisture-holding, but airy medium.
• Water in well.
• Place the potted plant remains in a clear plastic bag. Close it and keep it warm (75°-80°) and shady. With no leaves, it needs no sun...

If the plant has enough stored energy, you should see a new plant begin to grow from the base in a matter of a few weeks.