Leathery top leaf on rescue phal

[Rross]

Hi. I’m new to growing phals. A fortnight ago I was given a phal planted in very wet sphagnum moss in a non-draining container - found tossed in the street. I quickly washed the roots and repotted the plant in general purpose orchid mix. It now looks happy except for its top leaf, which is soft and leathery. Yesterday, I noticed the plant had one new basal growth spike. Does this mean the main plant can no longer produce new leaves in the usual way?

[estación seca]

Welcome to the Orchid Board!

The wrinkled leaf may never recover. With good care it will probably grow from the crown again. Phals normally clump from the base with age.

[Rross]

Thanks for your reply. Is the crown the top of the plant?

[estación seca]

Yes. That is a gardening term referring to a sunken growing point ringed by leaves. It also can refer to the top of a rootstock where new growth might originate, like a peony, delphineum or asparagus rootstock.

[Rross]

Thank you!

[SouthPark]

Originally Posted by Rross

Does this mean the main plant can no longer produce new leaves in the usual way?

It doesn't necessarily mean that.

In general .... if the plant remains green and shows continued growth activity of any sort ..... then that is good.