YIKES, UGLY YELLOWING OF HEALTHY IN BLOOM PHALS?? - Page 2 - Orchid Board

jkofferdahl · #11 11-03-2008, 11:29 PM

My guess is that they got too cold. I don't know what sort of temperatures you've had down there in Orlando but if it's been below 50-55 for any extended period of time it's a temperature problem. My fear, and it's killing me just typing this, is that you're going to lose some plants. What I'd suggest is cutting the spikes off of all plants effected and make sure that they stay warm. I'd personally even be tempted to clog some KeikiGrow into the crowns to see if you can stimulate something. The crown lead is quite possibly either dead or dying, but this may help. It's also quite possible that you'll be fortunate enough to get some basal growth - if the botto portion of the plants are still healthy and you have good, solid roots there's a good chance the basal growths will sprout. Life seeks a way of maintaining itself.

Good luck!

Jkelee · #12 11-04-2008, 07:31 AM

But I don't get WHY the other 40 or so phals, nor all the chids out there got "too cold". As they are all under the same roof, same fence, blinds, etc... No other phals are looking like this??

Sandy4453 · #13 11-04-2008, 08:04 AM

How cold did the temps get up in Orlando last week? Phals can withstand swings in temps but below 45 is very risky. Not all Phals will react the same either with temp. swings...some are just genetically inclined to survive, others aren't as strong. Last year I was on the phone with Baldan Orchids when the expected lows were dropping into the high 40's that night. The daughter (can't think of her name) told me that she brings every Phal (from her personal collection) inside, once temps drop into the low 50's. I, personally wait till it gets a little cooler but, there's definitely a risk when it comes to Phals.

When the top leaves turn yellow like yours have, it's usually because the crown...the nucleus of the plant, so-to-speak, has begun to fail already.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jkofferdahl

It's also quite possible that you'll be fortunate enough to get some basal growth - if the botto portion of the plants are still healthy and you have good, solid roots there's a good chance the basal growths will sprout. Life seeks a way of maintaining itself.Good luck!

SO TRUE.

jkelee, also watch for a spike to possibly start growing from the crown and if one does start, kieki paste on the spikes quite possibly will produce new growth on the spike. As well, basal growth is highly possible too. It can take many months for this but chances are good that the plant will produce them as a last ditch effort to continue on.

Jkelee · #14 11-04-2008, 09:02 AM

The Orlando temps were at the lowest mid 40's. But I have them in my shade home, with the blinds down. Everyone thought that was fine for them when I asked.

But as for spikes, this cold spell has produced at least 98% of my blooming sized phals to Spike! I've got soooo many coming out now! Even the ones with yellowing leaves in these pics are full of spikes & new flowers!

Where is the best place to get kieki paste.

BikerDoc5968 · #15 11-04-2008, 11:01 AM

You know Jkelee, I purchased seveal phals at HomeDepot in Stuart about a year ago; my mom lives there. They almost always have tons of nice stuff so when I visit, of course, I have to see what's up and never leave without my basket full of something green. Anyway, almost all of the phals that I've purchased there do the same thing with yellow leaves nd I've never been able to understand the problem because none of my other phals, all in the same GH with pretty much the same growing conditions, seem to have this problem. Like yours, there is no crown rot, the yellow leaves stay firm and there is no sign of fungal, bacterial or insect damage....it's a mistery, for sure!!!!! After awhile I just cut off the yellow leaves because they look so nasty with all the other green leaves.....

jkofferdahl · #16 11-04-2008, 11:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jkelee

Where is the best place to get kieki paste.

I bought my current supply on eBay.

BikerDoc5968 · #17 11-04-2008, 12:49 PM

Jkelee, I got my KeikiGrow Plus direct from manufacturer in Canada at: Plant Hormones Canada

This is NOT a liquid chemical application. It is a lanolin based HORMONE applied to the old flower nodes to produce keikis. Because it is lanolin, it is greasy so it will stay in place dispite your watering habits. I personally don't know what the differences are between the "paste" and what I use. Maybe if Ray is out there he could shed some light on this subject.....