Leaf isnt open

[Transcendental topiary]

As the title suggests, have a phal with a solid cylindrical leaf. Assuming this isn't normal and probably a deformity. My only experience with leaves opening as they grow has been with my bulbophyllum which was completely flat until it opened fully and even when it was closed it had a line running down to the base of the leaf where it was going to split.

One other leaf has these ridges on it.

Pics attached. Just curious what you think it is and what should be done about it

[Ray]

That falls in the category of "Sh*t happens".

Nothing you can do that will help it now.

[Transcendental topiary]

So certain doom for the phal? That sucks

Anyone ever try to cut the leaf open and hope it heals ok enough to keep going ?

Would any keikis produced from this plant end up in a similar situation? (I assume yes since a keiki would be genetically identical)

I think it has the start of a keiki on one of the spikes, and i have keiki paste, I'd be willing to experiment on this plant. I like the blooms

[Ray]

What would make you think that's "certain doom"?

When the next leaf grows, it might push its way right through...

[Transcendental topiary]

Originally Posted by Ray

Nothing you can do that will help it now.

Made it sound like it was over for it.

Anything i should be mindful of moving forward?
I assume try not to get water in there.

It's overall super healthy. Had barely any root issues and a ton of roots.

[SouthPark]

Maybe you can use a very clean set of scissors (sterilised with some fire, and then cooled a bit) - then snip down the region where it normally should have a gap. Some minor surgery maybe. Just make sure snipping down the shaft is done real carefully - ensuring it doesn't snip any newly developing juvenile leaf that might be down in the depths.

Otherwise - just allow the leaf to stay like that. A new leaf may well push up and through as Ray mentioned.

Interesting how the phal leaf is looking like a water hyacinth.

[sskmaestro]

Leave it for the orchid and observe how the new leaf begins to come out.

[aliceinwl]

I have a Phalaenopsis that did this too although the “tube” on mine is shorter. It’s growing a new leaf right now and the tube is slowly splitting as the new leaf grows. I was thinking I might need to do some surgery but mine ended up having matters in hand with no intervention required. I’d leave your plant be and wait and see.