HELP! Leaf broke off Phal!

[flowerchild29]

I accidentally dropped something onto my Phalaenopsis orchid. My orchid was in the midst of growing a brand new leaf that was 4" long, and that new leaf broke off completely. It didn't just tear. It broke off from the crown and fell to the floor. All of the other leaves were unharmed, and I poured some cinnamon onto the plant. My orchid is extremely healthy, and I am very attached to it. Will a new leaf regrow in the same place, or will this cause the plant to die?

[Roberta]

Originally Posted by flowerchild29

I accidentally dropped something onto my Phalaenopsis orchid. My orchid was in the midst of growing a brand new leaf that was 4" long, and that new leaf broke off completely. It didn't just tear. It broke off from the crown and fell to the floor. All of the other leaves were unharmed, and I poured some cinnamon onto the plant. My orchid is extremely healthy, and I am very attached to it. Will a new leaf regrow in the same place, or will this cause the plant to die?

As long as the crown itself wasn't damaged, you'll get a new leaf at the same spot. (Be patient... orchids do things in periods of months, not days or weeks)

[jkofferdahl]

IF somehow you've damaged the crown, which I doubt, the plant will all but certainly grow a basal keiki. The fight to live is hard, but Phals handle it.

[flowerchild29]

I'm fairly sure that the crown isn't damaged. The newest leaf cleanly broke off. I don't see any breaks throughout the crown, and all of my other leaves are strongly attached to the crown. Is there a way that the crown could be damaged and I wouldn't be able to tell? I feel so terrible.

[Dollythehun]

Probably not, accidents happen. Believe Roberta and John and relax, please. Feeling bad doesn't help snytning and it won't regrow the leaf.

[flowerchild29]

Thank you all for your responses. This orchid grows new things frequently. It's leaves are huge. I got it last February at Walmart, and it's grown 7 (now 6) new leaves over a year. I can't even tell how many new roots it has grown, but it's in the process of growing 2 new roots right now. It seems to grow a lot of things at once. It bloomed off of 3 different spikes this year. I cut the two original spikes off. I've left the other small spike (that only bloomed a single flower) as it is still growing. Should I remove it so the plant can have more energy? I don't want to stress it out as I'm sure breaking a new leaf off is stressful?

[Dollythehun]

That is not necessary. In fact, if it wants to bloom, it will grow another spike to replace it. Relax and enjoy a vigorous plant.

[flowerchild29]

Hi,

I just wanted to update everyone that my orchid is now growing a new leaf in the same spot! I guess the trauma didn't bother it too much. Thank you all for your help. Hopefully this will help anyone who is going through a similar incident.