Looking for reassurance....

[Jennyfleur]

Hi All

My other half has bought himself a telescope - it's very nice (even though my eyesight is really not good enough for me to use it very well!) and it is keeping him occupied, which is always good

However, it has helped bring about a bit of orchid destruction - Basically, it was set up in the bedroom (where I keep a lot of chids) the other day as he wanted to look at the nuclear powerstation just across the water from the Island where I live (takes all sorts right?). Well, in order to do this, I decided to move some phals to the floor lest my love knock them off their table on to the floor in his excitement.

So, I trundle upstairs and, totally forgetting they were there, I go to the bedroom, walk over to the window with the aim of leaning over telescope to draw the curtains and what should greet me but *snap*clunk*snap* Yeep, I had managed to kick one of my phals over snapping the two top leaves/ crown off in one go.

I admit that it was my own fault for forgetting they were there and for not turning on the light first but, since the crown is pretty much destroyed, I was wondering if you fine folk might console me with the hope that basal keikis could be made if new crown growth can't take place...?

I've seen them on phals before on here, but I'm not sure how common they are/ how long they take to form. It's a nice healthy plant, so I'm hoping it'll pull through if I'm patient enough - I just needed to vent and look for words of encouragement!

[billc]

I've done some klutzy things to my orchids but have not managed to do that much damage at one time. If some of the leaves are still intact I think the plant still has a chance. I've had some phals rot out the crown and after about 2 months basel keikis have formed.
How many new phals is your husband going to get you since it's really his fault that you moved them because of his telescope?

Bill

[cbuchman]

Last summer we had lots of rain and I had crown rot in a brand new Phal. I managed to get it dried out and the remainder looked healthy. So I waited hoping for a basal Keiki. This spring, I got one and it now has 3 tiny leaves. So I am hopeful and you should be too. My patience paid off. And of course,. You should demand a replacement phal too so that you end up ahead

[Leafmite]

I know just how you feel. I do this far too often. Most of my plants have been through something either because of me, the kids, or one of the pets.
If the crown was large enough, it can sometimes be rooted with rooting hormone. The other part will develop new growths...someday. Phals take patience.

My biggest disaster lately did not involve an orchid but my chocolate tree. Last month, something (I hate to blame one of the dogs but....) dragged it off the porch, broke off the top (the growing tip!) and let the poor thing bask in the hot sun. It is an understory tree that likes moist soil and shade. When I found it, the leaves were dead and I had a stick in a pot. Very sad. I had wanted a Theobroma for a long time. I watered it as usual, gave it a dose of organic fertilizer, and hoped for the best. It sat for a few weeks then burst into life, with new growing tips and leaves!

Best wishes for your orchid's recovery!!!!

[Daethen]

You may still get leaves from the crown. I had one that the top leaves rotted but it must not have been exactly crown rot as I started to get new leaves at the crown. Don't give up.

[Jennyfleur]

Thanks everyone, you're fantastic! The orchid in question is the one at the end of this picture set, Pebble Beach

Phal Explosion :)

It's got 4 leaves left, so the plant itself isn't totally destroyed. I'll carry on giving it some tlc and hope for the best I'll keep you updated on it's progress (as well as any compensation plants I can negotiate - thanks Bill, I hadn't thought of that!)

[RosieC]

What a shame, I've done stuff like that before as well

Good luck, I would keep caring for it and hope for the best. Hope it recovers for you... such a pretty one!

[Jennyfleur]

Thanks Rosie

[Bud]

It will grow a new leaf....you still have four leaves left after all....
Phals are tenacious....they will grow you more leaves and bring forth a spike of blooms....you didnt kill it; you just managed to give it a trim

[Jennyfleur]

ha ha, thanks Bud