Phalaenopsis species problems

[Neverend]

I have a few problems with my phalaenopsis species, hope you guys (especially those who grow these species) can help..

Phal equestris:

I mount my equestris on a slab of fern bark with some sphagnum moss on it. It's growing roots and has a keiki growing on its spike, however, I have a problem of it losing it leaves. The bottom leaves just start to dry up, which is a problem for me since the mother plant only has 3 leaves left at this point. It's been under bright shade, but I've now moved it to slightly brighter shade, any other steps I should do to prevent it from going bare?

Phal bastianii:

I mount my bastianii the same way as I do with my equestris, it was growing, but now it just stopped, any idea what I should do? Similarly I brought it out to slightly brighter shade.

Hope you guys can help me...

[philoserenus]

well for most phals, not many of them hold lots of leaves to start off with. usually the trade off is one new leaf for one old leaf. see if a new leaf is forming or not. if it is, itz probably just losing the old leaf and nothing to be concerned about.

usually for me, my phals start off with 'root action' before anything else happens--like spiking or growing/losing leafs

[Dorothy]

How is the root system?
How often do you water them?
Is the air around them relatively moist or dry?
Do you mist the mounts daily?
I have found my species phals can be watered much more frequently than my hybrids - I have my species potted in a very well draining medium and since their roots are much thinner than the hybrids, they dry out a lot faster .. I have to keep a careful eye on them
My species phals had slowed in growth over the last few months and are now starting to show signs of growth.
So long as they aren't in direct sunlight .. the increase in light should be a plus - slow acclimation is the way

[Tindomul]

It sounds like the Phals are sulking. They need to get more used to the idea of being so exposed to the dry air. Are you using and sphagnum moss to increase the humidity around their roots? If not, I would add just enough to keep them moist for most of the day and so it is dry by the night and next morning.

[Gin]

You did the right thing by increasing the light . Mine do the same lose an old leaf grow a new one .Right now I have some in bloom some just hanging out. Gin

[Neverend]

Originally Posted by Dorothy

How is the root system?
How often do you water them?
Is the air around them relatively moist or dry?
Do you mist the mounts daily?

I water them twice a day, the air here is moist-wet, I don't bother misting since I always water them till wet (and no it's not rotting, just that the leaves keep drying out and dropping) Problem is the equestris is not popping a new leaf out, the bastianii's just technically dormant.

I'm waiting to see if light's the problem, it might have been too dark for them...

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[Neverend]

A few photos to see..

[Dorothy]

Definitely see how they do with more light ..
It sounds like maybe too much watering .. especially if your air is fairly moist ..
There may not be rot but the roots may not be getting enough air
Just a thought

[Tindomul]

Dorothy's thoughts were my first thoughts after your reply as well. Are you sure all the roots are doing well?[
Wrinkly leaves usually means no water either because of dry conditions or malfunctioning/absent roots.

[quiltergal]

Is that plastic wrapped around the base of the plant to kind of hold it up? If it is water may be collecting under the plastic against the stem and rotting the leaf base.