What should I do with this curled leaf

[SHag42]

Hello everyone,

I just got this phal and when I pulled it out of the bag the leaf was curled over. I think this more than likely was from growing to close to another plant in the greenhouse or from the plastic cover around it. It makes the plant look a little odd and I didn't know if it would straighten itself out or continue to grow like this. my concern is that if a new leaf starts growing that this leaf will shade it out or cause it to grow crooked also. Would love to hear some info on if I should leave it or cut it off. The plant had some root rot and I just got done cutting off the bad roots and repotting it. I had to put some packing peanuts in the bottom of the clear pot to take up some of the space. Other than that the orchid looks pretty healthy.

[shushu45]

Well I would try to train the leaf back to where it should be. Like a bonsai. Slowly moving the leaf back.

[SHag42]

Originally Posted by shushu45

Well I would try to train the leaf back to where it should be. Like a bonsai. Slowly moving the leaf back.

Thank you for the advise, that sounds like a good idea. can you tell me What would be the best way to do that with out damaging the leaf? If I tie it in some way what should I use?

[shushu45]

Hmmmm...that's a tuff one. Hmmmmmm....I would use cotton butchers string. I would try to wrap the string around gently and bring it down towards the others under it.

[SHag42]

Originally Posted by shushu45

Hmmmm...that's a tuff one. Hmmmmmm....I would use cotton butchers string. I would try to wrap the string around gently and bring it down towards the others under it.

Good idea I will give it a shot. Thanks again. Always good to hear from ya.

[shushu45]

Do it very gently and slowly.

[james mickelso]

My two cents. Leave it alone. It is normal variation in a plant. The next leaf/leaves will grow where they want. Unless you are fixated on having a perfect looking plant, leave it alone. Fungshway not withstanding. Just my

[shushu45]

That's sounds alot better than my plan.

[Skayc1]

Put the Orchid where it will slowly turn it's leaf back to normal facing the indirect light & like Shushu45 says & after 1 day bend the leaf in same direction not forcing it. It will slowly bend back, worked for me. Now you would never know it was bent to begin with. do this in stages, taking two or three days to help it go back to normal.

[HighSeas]

I think they are right. I've had plants like that. I have little doubt that it was inside the bag for awhile and basically had to become a contortionist! It will straighten out by itself. Mine did.

I had to turn him this way and that a few times a week but eventually he got it right!