My 2 crazy phals - any ideas???

[TOMMYMIAMI]

Ok, so me being the "rescuer" of the after bloom and sick once, I have these 2 phals and they are both acting pretty strange. The first one is recent garbage baby. When I got it, it had still 3 leaves, however for some reason they fall off in last few days. The plant had not water stored in the crown, so either there was crown rot already when I picked it up and it took some time for the leaves to leave the plant, or I am not sure what happened. However, it has absolutely stunning healthy gorgeous roots as you can see. Is this goner??? The second one was purchase from Publix, some 6 months ago, and it was that mini Phalaenopsis - both leaves and blooms. For some reason, it really enjoys this pot and hydroton pebbles, it grows rapidly huge leaves and new roots all over, but after I did cut old spike that was left there after it probably flowered and no one bought it, there is this crazy loooong new spike growing from the spot new leaves should grow, the spike is long, has some small leaves and is never ending! Is there any way this plant can actually grow new leaves? should I cut this? I should mention, the size of the leaves more than doubled in my care in last 6 months, it is becoming huge phal! I am kinda confused with these 2

[AnonYMouse]

I'd toss the first one but that's just me. You can continue with its care and hope for a basal keiki.

The second one is a bit unusual. The old spike and the new are from the crown? I've never seen two terminal spikes. And the bits of green on the new spikes are leaves? Keiki leaves?

[TOMMYMIAMI]

No tossing till it is really gone, I love it actually, I am intrigued by the healthy crazy roots, so I am thinking there may be new phal starting soon from the side of the old crown. Will see. The second one, yes, old spike was growing from the crown, I did cut it and now the new spike grew again from the inside of the crown. The small leaves on the spike are looking like tiny leaves actually not keikis, and it is still growing, really crazy kid this one is!

[nikkik]

Last winter, I had a vanda that got burnt by the heater (I have a new heater this winter). It lost all of its leaves, but had a gorgeous root system, I held out hope for my basal keiki, but it never came. I say give it a try, my fingers are crossed for you, good luck!!

[TOMMYMIAMI]

thanks nikkik, I am definitely holding to the root one, it was garbage baby, saved, so no loosing there, I love the fact roots are so healthy and will see what will happen:-)

[MattWoelfsen]

Hi TommyMiami I have a similar Phalaenopsis. I think every one who is into rescuing plants has a plant that holds on for dear life giving some hope that it will continue to live. Here is my miracle plant. When I see it every morning, it reminds me that even if you loose a vast majority of your self, if you can keep one little part growing, you have a good chance for new life!

[TOMMYMIAMI]

Amazing Matt, I always love these rescue ones, sometimes they do not make it, but sometimes they surprise you, and it is fascinating to see them fight for their life and when you give them love and care they really appreciate and reward you:-)

[Lilac]

Awwww! I love this thread! Everything is so true! That's just how I feel about rescues too! and those are the most fabulous roots I've ever seen!