Leaf ripped at stalk... What to do?

[Jamiezeppetella]

I don't know what happened. Yesterday I had a healthy (done blooming) phal. Today I saw a droopy leaf I was like WHAT? It is ripped down at the stalk and about half still remains attached. I have worked so hard to keep this one I got for mothers day. Now this... Can anyone tell me what to do... Also it is the first leaf or top leaf.
Thank you

[Orchid Whisperer]

A picture may help. If the leaf is the top leaf, it is actually the last (most recent) leaf.

Depending on how the leaf was torn, the plant will likely recover (again a photo will help; you may need to make 5 posts, anywhere on Orchidboard, before you can post a photo). But, a torn new leaf that is already wilting probably is going to wither (again, this is referring just to the leaf, not the whole plant).

[estación seca]

Welcome to the Orchid Board! We're glad you found us. Sometimes Phalaenopsis leaves are so thick and succulent they can get ripped like this when you bump them, but you might not notice for a while. Just leave it alone for now. If it's going to fall off it will do so on its own. It will probably continue to grow more leaves.

There is a great thread with lots of posts on how to take care of your first Phals here:

Phalaenopsis Care

[Jamiezeppetella]

ThankYou for replying. Y'all.
I guess to be more clear about the rip. It is half way ripped off where the leaf attaches to the stalk.That half, has turned yellowish now. It is loose too so I'm propping it up with toilet paper. It is the first leaf from top down, or basically the first to grow on the plant. ***also since I have you on the line( lol) when my flower stem lost its flowers It dried up. Does this mean it's done flowering for the season? (I am assuming it is)
All n all I think I am just going to leave her alone and let her do her thing.

[Orchid Whisperer]

Ok - if you do have more questions, do try and post a picture if possible. It will help us help you.

[Optimist]

A phalenopsis blooms once a year (usually). The blooms last seveeral months, but yeah, that is it for the year unless the spike (stalk) somehow gives you another little show, which does sometimes happen.

Phals are fairly tough. I have 9-10 phals given to me by a friend whose Amazon parrot decided to eat the leaves. Believe me, there are a lot that have big chunks of leave taken out, and about 4 where the leaves were pretty much ripped off at the stalk.

Your phal is likely to sulk a bit, maybe not produce a new leaf, and then next year do something.

One thing you should know is that orchids (especially phals) grow at a snail's pace. You might get one flower spike a year and one leaf per year. That is it. Just don't fret. The only think you might worry about is that the end of the leaf might become moldy or something. Just let it dry out, and scab over (plants have an enzyme that allows them to form a scab over injured areas) just let this happen.

[Jamiezeppetella]

Update. That leaf fell off. So now my plant is a little ugly but I still love it and am challenged to keep her alive.

[estación seca]

You can do it! Everybody here is rooting for you and will help.