Rotten Leaves

[Arc]

My wife got three orchids last week and one of them is dying. After a couple of days two out of four leaves started rotting from the part that's attached to the stem: they started turning yellow and have a "wet" look. We took them off and now there is one more in the same situation (the one on the left in the first picture). With just one leave left and the flowers fading away, is there anything I can do to save it?

[mayres]

Looks like a bad case of crown rot - when moisture is left in the middle of the plant late in the day and into the evening this commonly happens on phalaenopsis type orchids. Water in the early morning with good air movement and warmth doesn't usually cause a problem. Some people are phobic about getting water into this part of the plant and don't want any here - any time of day.
Does the ceramic pot your plant is in have a plastic pot inside? I've seen many plants sold recently - in ceramic pots with no air holes and no secondary pot. Orchids sold like this are only good for cut flower value - their life span is limited. It is possible to bring a plant back from the dead that has lost all its leaves, IF the roots are in great condition and the plant was otherwise in very good condition prior to loosing its leaves - the success rate is not good however. I would suggest another plant and give it another go. We've all lost a few from time to time and learn something from each experience.....

[camille1585]

I agree with Mayres, it's a bad case of crown rot, and the only chance it has is if it has a good healthy root system. If that's the case, cut off the spikes and possibly repot in bark since it appears to be in sphagnum moss. For most people's conditions the moss stays wet too long. Then you have to wait and hope that the plant will put out a basal keiki. That can take quite a long time. Good luck with your plant!

[priz_m]

Arc, first of all welcome to the OB! and second of all I am sorry to read about your phal, crown rot it is.

Here's a link on someone bringing one back from the dead.

Example of Stem rot or Crown rot in Phalaenopsis

I hope it can be of some help to you. But before you attempt to bring it back please consider that a healthy and substantial root system is a key part in the recovery process.

Best of luck!

[DebsC]

I think all the disease process has been covered so I'll just say, Welcome to the Board!! Good luck with your plants, it's sad to see them sick.

[blackorchid]

According to the picture, I think that you have to toss your plant away because it cannot be saved. The rot has eaten deep into the center and spread to the flower spike (see the wilting flower)... Start over again with a fresh plant and do not make the same mistake good luck, you live and learn everyday.

[nenella]

Hi & Welcome to the OB. Yes you can save if roots are in good condition as already said but you will have to probably wait a very long time before it recovers & flowers again (if it does)...I agree with Vinh's suggestion of trying again with a new plant .. Good luck!

[priz_m]

Arc whether you believe it or not, you are in a very privileged position, you have nothing to lose, I would give it a try even for learning sake

Either way.... good luck!!!!

[Arc]

Thank you everybody for your warm welcome and for all the information. I'll try to repot it tomorrow and to find some Physan 20 and see if anything can be done. Great community you have here.