to cut or not

[Sawdust]

This phal has got a lot of blooms and buds, but also several yellow leaves,
I have edited the original posting, nope that's okay

Here are a couple of photos that better show the orchid and one that shows new roots etc

the second one shows the yellow leaves and now the 3 have fallen off, the third show the roots and new growth
again many thanks

[estación seca]

I would not cut off the flowers. When did you get it? What are your growing temperatures? Ambient humidity? How and how often are you watering it?

[Sawdust]

thanks I have had this one for about 3 years, the temp is around 68 to 70,the humidity is in the green range on my gauge that is were it should be, I try to water once a week and I try to check if they are still moist, but I usually have them in the water for 10 minute, being old I do forgot some times.

[Dimples]

When was it last repotted? If it’s been awhile the medium may be degraded, that plus the low temperatures could have caused root decline.

Do you fertilize?

[estación seca]

I agree about the temperature being cooler than ideal. 68-70 F = 20-21C. It's possible to grow them that cool but it's a lot easier when they're kept warmer. You can use a seedling heat mat to increase temperatures locally.

Phals will drop older leaves when they are dry for too long. Forgetting and leaving one soaking for a few hours is not a problem. The most important things for growing Phals are plenty of air at the roots, plenty of water and warm temperatures.

[Sawdust]

It been a while, so maybe that's the problem, there are lots of roots and it isn't dry, I have grow lights that are on for about 8 to 10 hours and these orchids are in a green house type thing that I made, thanks Ron

[Dimples]

Eight hours could be a bit short for phals. They're from parts of the world that have 12 hours of light almost all year. Ten hours is probably fine during the winter but 11-12 would be ideal if you can manage it. Plants that aren't getting enough light will shed "extra" leaves that they aren't able to support.

[Sawdust]

thanks every one, I will increase the light and get a better temp reading. once the blooming is done I will repot it to a slightly large pot, great place to get help

[dbarron]

You should inspect the root system when you unpot it. It may well just need trimming of dead roots and back into the same pot with new media. Overpotting of orchids is generally unwise for how long it stays wet.

[sweta]

Originally Posted by Sawdust

This phal has got a lot of blooms and buds, but also several yellow leaves, they are much yellow now since I took the picture. one has fallen off. I am not sure why they are doing this. I have tired to water carefully, there are lot of good roots and several new stems starting, it is in a small pot and under grow lights. Any advice or idea welcomed. thanks

There could stem rot which may not be explicitly visible. By the time you recognize it most often too late. If there is yellowing of the newer leaves then thats for sure that there could be stem rot but if bottom leaves are yellowing it can be hard to recognize if there's stem rot. If you lost more than 2 leaves quickly that also might indicate stem rot. One of my phals I was able to save at the right time. Even I water very carefully but there are times mistakes happen. As soon as I saw one of the top leaves yellowing I tried to look for stem rot and when I couldnt find it I just decided to rip off the leaves at the top to locate the rot. I'm not suggesting that you do the same but just check and see if you can look for stem rot. Since you are saying that the plant is healthy in bloom, new branches and healthy roots I have a strong feeling that there could be stem rot. For me luckily the rot was above a set of bottom leaves. I cleaned up the rot and dabbed cinnamon powder now its recuperating pretty good with the bottom leaves.