2 phalaenopsis with droopy, wrinkling leaves :(

[Paphluvr]

I suspect that you are under-watering both. Alfred looks bone dry (don't let the condensation fool you, the mix is the clue, especially in a clear pot).

It's a bit harder to make out the roots on the second one but they appear to be ok. Wrinkled leaves generally indicate root loss or under watering, both conditions resulting in the loss of turgidity in the leaves.

[lotis146]

I agree with all who have said you're underwatering, especially with Paphluvrs comment. If you've got major condensation all over the inside of the pot, so much you can't really see passed it then I might pause to water but in your case I'm not seeing that so I think especially with the first one (Alfie was it?) that he's not getting enough water. That's a really chunky mix and something to remember about new mixes is that they don't retain moisture as well as once they've 'weathered'. Also if you do put holes in the pot, which wouldn't be bad but isn't necessary, know that you'll probably have to water a little bit more especially during the growing season b/c it'll dry out faster.

If you catch this wrinkling early enough and it's not b/c all your roots are dead with proper care the wrinkles should clear though it will take some time.

Welcome btw!

[bil]

I have had two phals with this problem. Don't know what causes it. However, when I got the first one, I just ignored the fact that the leaves were softer and a bit limp, and just kept watering. It recovered just fine.

The other one had a hard dry winter, and went limp. Didnn't stop it blooming, an dit is now throwing a good, normal leaf. So, my advice would be, unless you can identify a clear cause, then just water well and regularly.

My personal opinion is that it is better to have a shallow, very wide pot, with chunky bark and water every day in summer than it is to have a finer mix that holds water for ages in the winter.

[Anniesoptera]

Originally Posted by Paphluvr

I suspect that you are under-watering both. Alfred looks bone dry (don't let the condensation fool you, the mix is the clue, especially in a clear pot).

It's a bit harder to make out the roots on the second one but they appear to be ok. Wrinkled leaves generally indicate root loss or under watering, both conditions resulting in the loss of turgidity in the leaves.

Oh dear...I rushed to go give Alfie some water...I didn't realise! My main fear right now is overwatering which I guess is silly considering the environment we're in.

One of his leaves has yellowed. but at least I caught it in time and his roots look great so I'm def not discouraged (co-workers are telling me to throw him out! No WAY!)

Originally Posted by lotis146

If you catch this wrinkling early enough and it's not b/c all your roots are dead with proper care the wrinkles should clear though it will take some time.

Welcome btw!

Oh here's hoping! But regardless, he may not look super pretty for a while but as long as he's OK. Thanks for the welcome!

Originally Posted by bil

I have had two phals with this problem. Don't know what causes it. However, when I got the first one, I just ignored the fact that the leaves were softer and a bit limp, and just kept watering. It recovered just fine.

The other one had a hard dry winter, and went limp. Didnn't stop it blooming, an dit is now throwing a good, normal leaf. So, my advice would be, unless you can identify a clear cause, then just water well and regularly.

My personal opinion is that it is better to have a shallow, very wide pot, with chunky bark and water every day in summer than it is to have a finer mix that holds water for ages in the winter.

I've def learnt my lesson. I'm going to use the skewer method as suggested earlier in the thread, and keep a closer eye on the two of them. Their mix always dries out so quickly but I always thought this was OK. But I guess maybe 2+ days of dry mix is overkill...

[Helene]

I think Alfie will be fine😊

And sometimes leaf yellow and fall of because they are old, the one in the first picture just looks old- wouldnt be worried unless more leaf starts yellowing rapidly.

Best of luck😊

And your co-workers are wrong, you dont throw them away, they will flower again😎