Major discoloration in "perfect" surroundings...

[1ring2_rule]

Hello from a relatively new Orchider,

I have an issue with two successful Phals, and one I was "nursing" and cannot gain improvement.

The successful phals, smaller ones (is is a mini I believe), have gone from perfect roots and perfect leaves to darker, flimsy leaves.

The large phal in nursing has always had darker leaves with good roots, the roots have improved, but the leaves have only gotten darker and more shrively. They're not purple. The old leaves were splitting so I have a yummy food for that mineral deficiency.

It was very heavily flowering when I purchased it (continued to flower on many spikes, I had about 35 blooms), so when it finished, I prayed it could use the energy in healing, especially with the new leaf. But the darn thing seems to want to flower to death.

The chids are in a south-facing window of my climate-controlled office in SoCal. Window is slightly tinted for glare.

The little ones have been declining in the last two weeks, after being lovely for months....

Any help or suggestions would be appreciated - this is my first spike from any of my orchids, I really hope I don't have to cut it!

Thank you so much!

[bballr4567]

That looks severely dehydrated honestly.

How much water are you giving it?

[1ring2_rule]

About two months ago, they were close to being overwatered - the cleaning people of the building decided it would be great to help water, and frequently. But I remedied the problem and only water once a week/week and a half, when the roots get to that silvery-color. In the base of the large phal underneath the inner pot I have larger gravel for the pooling water, hoping to provide more moisture.... perhaps not enough?

[Ordphien]

Try increasing humidity... Offices tend to be very dry places..
The Targets near me in SoCal just got in a cheap decorative terrarium that I bought a few years back...
I use it constantly to save phals......
I only suggest it because its relatively small, good looking, and cheap....
It also works well with the phals potted and placed insidwith the lid open...

[bballr4567]

Yea, it needs more water. The best way to tell on a larger pot is to put a bamboo skewer in there. When you take out the skewer put it against your cheek. If its cool then no water. If it isnt, give it some water. I've found that most of my orchids need watering around 4-6 days depending on how hot it is.

Plus, now that those leaves are wrinkled, they wont ever plump back up to full size. The new ones wont be wrinkled but the old will stay like that.

Good luck!

[1ring2_rule]

How simple this has turned out to be - never dreamed I'd damage them by underwatering. Thank you both so much for the help, I will take the suggestions. Looks like they will all have a lasting testament for my mess until those leaves fall, haha!

[bballr4567]

Make sure to read this thread when you can. TONS and TONS of great info in here.

http://www.orchidboard.com/community...ends-here.html

[vjo]

You might also want to look into how much light they are actually getting, if you have tinted windows they might not be getting enough. They look a little dark to me. Just sayin...Jean

[quiltergal]

As stated above they are seriously dehydrated. Dehydration can be caused by overwatering or by having rotted roots. Either way the plant is not receiving enough water and is blooming as a last ditch effort to save itself. I would recommend checking the roots ASAP. If they are rotted then repot, and cut the spike. If the roots are fine (firm not mushy) then water a little more often.

They could also benefit from a bit more light. That is why the leaves are so dark. The plant has to produce lots more chlorophyll to make up for not enough light. If you want to leave them in your office I'd recommend getting a small desk lamp and put a CFL grow bulb in it. Leave it on during the day while you are working and turn it off when you leave. That should make them a little happier.

[giuseppeorchids]

i think too its are deydrated.... check out the root, its can be rotten....