Soggy phal leaves with dark green patches

[Stoniegirl]

I rescued this phal from a friend the other day. When I brought it home it was in good condition. Within a few days at my house the leaves began to sag. Almost overnight the leaves appeared to be soggy with dark green patches. I reported yesterday to check out the roots, they were plentiful and healthy. I treated it with physan 20 today to be on the safe side. Should I go ahead and cut the damaged leaves as well? What else can I do to save her? Thanks in advance!

[estación seca]

Welcome to the Orchid Board. Sorry your entry had to be this way, but you can learn here how to be an expert.

The spreading soft spots look like a fast-moving bacterial or fungal rot. Or this could be cold damage, or both rot and cold. Cold predisposes Phals to rot damage. Has it been much below 10C / 50 F?

Normally I would not cut off a Phal leaf, but in the event this is a fast-spreading rot, you need to do that. Make a single cut as close to the crown as you can with a sharp knife. Put powdered cinnamon or flowers of sulfur on the cut surface. Keep it as warm as you can. Don't water until it is clear the plant is not going to die immediately. After a few days resume watering, but be sure it dries between waterings. Keep Phals as warm as possible in the winter.

[Orchid Whisperer]

I would add "sharp flame sterilized" knife. Or you can sterilize with chlorine bleach & rinse.

The soggy patches are caused by Erwinia. Act quickly or you will lose the plant. Good luck!

[Ray]

Topical disinfectants like Physan are of no value in such a case. You need to go with a systemic bactericide like Phyton 27 or a generic version.

[Stoniegirl]

Thanks for the quick replies! I cut both of the infected leaves and applied cinnamon. Hopefully she will make it.

[nicola]

Hi,
best wishes for a good recovery
Nicola

[silken]

Welcome to Orchid Board and I hope the Phal survives.