Sick phalaenopsis losing leaves

[bwehr28]

Helll all! I have tried searching this issue, but haven’t been able to find the answer here on the board. I rescued this Phal from a greenhouse near me that is closing. They said they had not watered the orchid in quite sometime. When I first got it, the leaves were soft and leathery. I soaked the orchid and inspected the roots. About 95% of the roots feel off when I took the orchid out of its original pot. I’ve reported in a coarse bark, charcoal, and perlite mix. I have a tray with gravel under the pot I keep water in and have been using a ziploc bag for increased humidity. The bag isn’t working out too great because if it stays too humid, white fuzzy hairs start to grown on the crown. I spray the roots with water every other day and do a soak once a week. The large leaves are dying and I am starting to get concerned. 1 leaf has already fallen off and the other is now tough and drying out. I fertilize with MSU mix weakly weekly. Am I watering too much or not enough? It’s in its original pot, but should I transplant to a smaller pot? Add finer potting media? I know the roots can photosynthesize, but there’s only 1! The keiki is growing so I’m happy with that. I’m attempting to attach pictures to show the orchid and it’s progress. Thank you all for all your help!

[bwehr28]

Here are the pictures

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

I'm gonna be very straightforward due to time constraints...

There is a good chance it will not make it.

You can try to continue growing as if it was a normal Phal in warm and humid area in a very small 1" net pot with some moss and see if it continues to grow, but don't be surprised if it does not last long.

The damage is very severe on this individual. You are better off buying a good one.

The leaf looks like it was severely frostbitten and a large proportion of the roots rotted off due to drowning from overwatering and insufficient air flow to the roots btw.

Sorry.

[Dollythehun]

FWIW, I agree with Phillip. When I was a new(er) grower I wanted to save everything. Now, not so much. If it were mine, I'd pitch it. However, if you can save it, you'll learn alot.

Did you punch holes in the plastic bag for ventilation? It may shed those large leaves and keep the youngest one, but I don't hold out much hope.

[bwehr28]

I did not punch holes in the bag, but I will do that. I have 10 other Phil’s that thrive. I thought this $2 project would be fun. What tells you that it likely won’t make it? Anything I could have done better? What about the keiki?

[Dollythehun]

I don't see a picture of the keiki. Like Phillip, I think it looks too stressed. You asked our opinions, but you are certainly free to do as you wish.

[bwehr28]

On the spike there is a keiki. I think you can see it in the first picture. I certainly appreciate your input! Just want to know if there’s anything I can better to save he next one.

[Dollythehun]

In the upper right hand corner there is a maroon search bar. You might look up there for more information.

[WaterWitchin]

Flip the plant upside down. Look at the base of one of the big leaves. See the black spot? That's rot. You can see it in your Picture #3, on left side leaf.

Were it me and I wanted to save it, I'd cut off both those big leaves, making sure you take off the black spot completely. If the little leaf below it is black, it's already a goner. If not, then you could also balance it in a very small vase with water in bottom of vase, not touching the one viable root I see. Every three or four days, soak that viable root for a half hour or so, then pour off excess water again. Don't get the crown into the water.

I do see the start of a small keiki perhaps, in the first picture, but picture isn't good enough to tell for sure. The keiki will need at least a couple of good 3" or so roots on it before transplanting.

This is of course all just opinion of what I'd do if it were mine... my culture, my growing conditions, what I've found works for me.

If you're wanting to do it "for fun" then let 'er rip. You can also see Similar Threads at the bottom of your thread, which may be helpful. Good luck.

[bwehr28]

Thanks! I got the orchid as a fun challenge. There’s only 1 large leaf left and it’s dangling. Not much hope there. I may try your vase idea. I have a spare vase that would probably work great! I really appreciate your opinion!