NOID Phal with no leaves

[Diane56Victor]

I bought a NOID phal from Bunnings (local hardware store) early in the year as a rescue as it had flowered and hadn't really been cared for afterwards. It had several green leaves but a little dehydrated, it picked up with regular watering.

About 6 weeks ago I saw some green emerging from the main stem and it was getting stuck behind what looked like an extremely dried old stub of a leaf.
When trying to release this the whole top of the plant broke away.

After the swearing ceased

I didn't see any rot or other problems apart from the one I had just created.
With a decent root system and something green growing I thought I would just keep things normal and see what, if anything, would happen.
I'm so happy to see at least 5 new green nubbins on the old stem.
I know this will be a long recovery but I'm glad to see some signs that despite a total lack of leaves its managing...so far...to grow.

It's growing with 3 other phals on a table in the family room that gets eastern light but its far enough back not to get direct sunlight on any leaves. Temps range from 13C overnight in Winter to 26C in Summer

[Paphluvr]

It does indeed have some new growth coming. It's going to be a long road, but if you're willing to wait you may get to eventually see this thing bloom again. I would consider your winter overnight temperature somewhat chilly for a Phal.

[estación seca]

Those look like roots, not leaves. I would throw it away right now and use the time to take care of your good orchids more likely to grow and flower.

Originally Posted by Diane56Victor

...Ah come on allow me my little experiment!

Well, of course you can do whatever you want!

[Diane56Victor]

Originally Posted by Paphluvr

It does indeed have some new growth coming. It's going to be a long road, but if you're willing to wait you may get to eventually see this thing bloom again. I would consider your winter overnight temperature somewhat chilly for a Phal.

13C would be the lowest it has ever endured going by the temp guage on the kitchen bench.

---------- Post added at 11:44 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:43 PM ----------

Originally Posted by estación seca

Those look like roots, not leaves. I would throw it away right now and use the time to take care of your good orchids more likely to grow and flower.

Ah come on allow me my little experiment!

[SouthPark]

Nice one Diane! Things are looking very good for this one now, after you helped it. This one is a survivor!

[rbarata]

I would try to save it but be prepared for a few years before it blooms...if you take good care of it, that means warm temps (above 20ºC) and an humid environment.
You are in the "wrong" hemisphere otherwise you might get some new leaves growing now.

Anyway, I always found a special pleasure in recovering plants in bad shape as it's the most rewarding and educational activity in orchid growing.

Good luck!

[Diane56Victor]

Thanks SouthPark, It certainly is trying hard, and so quickly after the damage.

The reasonable root system it had already is a bonus, and if these green nubbins do turn out to be roots as ES said that is good too.
Whether it can produce a leaf, who knows, but its not doing any harm sitting on the tray doing its thing.
Would only be a space there if I threw it out.

---------- Post added at 05:05 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:51 PM ----------

Originally Posted by rbarata

I would try to save it but be prepared for a few years before it blooms...if you take good care of it, that means warm temps (above 20ºC) and an humid environment.
You are in the "wrong" hemisphere otherwise you might get some new leaves growing now.

Anyway, I always found a special pleasure in recovering plants in bad shape as it's the most rewarding and educational activity in orchid growing.

Good luck!

Thanks rbarata
I know it will take a long time, Im used to waiting, I like to get younger plants and grow them on.
We are heading quickly into Spring, usually here in South Australia 1st of September is like flicking a switch. The weather changes fast, so it wont be long before we have warmer temps.

You are so right about the pleasure of getting struggling plants back on their roots.

[SouthPark]

Diane - I think medium light level and warm temperature will give it a nice chance. If there's continued growth activity, then that will be a nice learning experience - as we'll be able to see what's going to happen with those green things.

[Diane56Victor]

Medium light level is no problem, temps might be a little low overnight for a couple more weeks, 13C has been the lowest and that would have only been for an hour or so before I got up and put the heat cycle on the air con on.
Its been 17C inside overnight with no heating on.
Moving air wont be a problem as we have ceiling fans.

[SouthPark]

Diane - that's ok. The nice thing is that you're at least giving this one a chance. Thumbs up from me here.