Been Around, half-baked Newb, with a Phal Question

[FL_GROWER82]

I have been away for a few years and gave away my chids to loving homes and they are thriving.

Over the summer I was in Kroger and saw somepathetic looking but healthy phals on regular sized and one mini that were destined to come home with me. I enjoyed their remaining flowers for months.

The big phal is resting and grew a new leaf as the last of her flowers dropped.

The mini grew a new leaf as its flowers dropped.

A couple weeks ago I noticed some root growth and low and behold a new spike starting. Sort of dashed my plans for a repot...it is in that moss stuff...I never have liked it. I prefer a good orchid mix or would like to eventually try LECA.

Any ways, here is some artwork on the mini. My question is this: There is some discoloration on the top leaf that looks like it got a sun burn.Is that what I am seeing?

My phals are near a south facing window, it is very bright, and if the sun is shining will get 1-3 hours, if that, of direct sunlight in the morning. In the summer it is brighter and the sun is higher so they will get moved to a safer spot.

Thanks a bunch and glad to be back.

[PaphMadMan]

Looks more like cold damage to me, cold water on warm foliage if not cold air. As long as it isn't spreading it isn't serious though. The damaged tissue will dry up. Watch closely for rot, keep the leaf dry, but I wouldn't do anything else.

I would go for repotting immediately, the sooner the better while the spike is small. It is usually a gentle process getting roots out of moss, and you have active root growth to establish the plant quickly in fresh mix. If you wait it could be a long time before you have a good chance again, and roots die fast when moss goes bad.

[FL_GROWER82]

Well, I watered once and wasn't paying attention and it was colder-ish water. I am definitely using tepid/warm water now. These plants are in my living room and the house is kept between 65 and 70. I know that can be chilly for some chids and I will keep watching for sure.

I will be picking up some orchid mix tomorrow for a quick fix.

[estación seca]

It could be sunburn, too.