Fallen Leaf, Mini Phal - Don't think it's crown rot

[MrsH530]

Hi everyone!

I had a weird problem on one of my mini phals. I was doing my weekly watering this morning, and noticed that the top leaf on my mini phal was wrinkly. I thought perhaps it got a little dry, since we have been having weird weather, but when I touched it, it fell off.

My first thought was crown rot, but after inspecting closely, I can't see any evidence of it. No other leaves show signs of damage and the crown appears fine to me.

Roots are healthy. No decayed or dehydrated roots.

The leaf that fell off feels really soft and mushy (yuck!!), and the underside is bubbly. I've attached pictures. Any guesses what it is??

The spike was finished, so I cut it off this morning. It has been in bloom since I purchased it in February. My watering schedule is 1x week rotating between fertilizer, Ray's rooting seaweed, and a regular water flush. One other time a week I go through with a spray bottle and mist anyone who is looking a little dry, to hold them off till the next watering.

Any help is appreciated!

[WhiteRabbit]

I would suspect crown rot, tho I guess other damage to the crown might have caused the leaf to come off, but the leaf looks "rotty" ...
Hopefully other members will chime in with their opinions!

[Optimist]

It really does look like crown rot. Being a top and not a bottom leaf is another indication. I suppose all you can do is watch the site closely and hope it does not spread. Maybe clean with peroxide.

Natural leaf loss is from the bottom, and the leaf goes yellow prior.

[jcec1]

I wonder if water was collecting in the leaf apex when you were misting it? I don't mist, I prefer to get the water to the roots rather than the leaves, I'm not sure if a phalaenopsis can absorb water through it's leaves and if it looks dry then the roots should be watered.

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[Optimist]

Misting is fine if you are assured the water will evaporate in a few hours.

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[MrsH530]

I only mist the roots, I don't mist the whole plant for fear of crown rot. I'm very careful about that.

I will try the peroxide and see what happens. If it's crown rot, I really, really don't know how it would have happened. I'm the only one who waters my plants.

Honestly, the crown of the plant looks fine. The other leaf that was above shows no indication of rot whatsoever and all other areas are plump and green, no black at all.

[MrsH530]

After the weekend has passed, I still see no evidence of crown rot on the rest of the plant. Is it possible for it to only take one leaf?

[judith_arquette]

Could it be erwinia (sp?) Soft/brown rot?

[lepetitmartien]

It is…

[MrsH530]

So what do I do about that?? Should I toss the plant to save the others???