What's wrong with these Phals? Short, stubby leaves!

[My Green Pets]

hi everyone,

I'm volunteering at my local botanical garden, and their phalaenopsis hybrids look so weird. They all have these stacks of short stubby leaves. I've never seen anything like it, does anyone have any idea what is going on with these? They are just Big Box store hybrids that were donated.

Thanks

[fishmom]

Reading along with interest, as I have seen the same thing as the first picture in my own plants.

[Pattywack]

Wow they look like Sedirea japonica, especially in the first photo. I like em!

[ryrycochinco]

Wow that's bizarre

[jkofferdahl]

My first reaction would be that it has something to do with watering, but they look so healthy that I doubt it in this case. It's quite interesting!

[My Green Pets]

I'm wondering if some kind of hormone hasn't been put on them that's triggered this weird growth. I'll ask around and see if they've been using anything. I did see a bottle of superthrive on one of the shelves. Has anyone ever used this on Phals?

I also wonder if too much light could do this? Going to continue researching.

[fishmom]

Personally, I have never used Superthrive. I have used Kelp-Max as well as another kelp fertilizer --the name escapes me. Also used MSU fert last year, now using Dynagrow.

[dangerouseddy]

could be high light that produces smaller rounder leaves.

[Dollythehun]

I've used Superthrive. The jury's out on that. But, my first thought was to much light...it makes sense.

[My Green Pets]

Ok, i can easily test the light theory by putting them in a shadier spot. I'll take my light meter over there next time. To be continued...

Thank you!