Beginner with fungus on my first orchid (phalaenopsis) and no clue what to do. Help!

[JessicaMarie]

My first orchid, a Phalaenopsis, has what looks like (to me, a very inexperienced orchid owner ) a fungus taking over its leaves. I took a look at the roots and they are all dead!

The thing that really gets me is that the orchid has flower spikes on it, really healthy beautiful ones about to bloom.

Everything Ive read says don't repot if your flower is blooming or if its mid winter and both of those things are going on.

Ive started treating with a copper anti-fungal spray but I'm not sure if I should leave the plant alone, repot, cut off the leaf (which is really its last large one, the other fell off because of the fungus). And what do I do about all of the dead roots?!

Help

[Zoi2]

Hello and welcome to the OB.
I am sorry to say that if your plant has no roots and this is the last leaf, it would probably be best to just purchase another phal.
How long have you had the plant and what is it potted in?
Joann

[JessicaMarie]

There's another smaller leaf underneath this larger one.
I've had her for about four months. Its potted in fir bark. Thanks so much for getting back to me! I've been trying to figure out what to do for a while now.

[Zoi2]

The roots were probably kept too wet and rotted. The plant could possibly be saved but unless it is special to you I would just get a new one.
When the blooms open, cut the spikes and put them in a bud vase with a little water. That way you can at least enjoy the flowers.
Joann

[Leafmite]

It is easiest to replace the orchid but if you want to try to rescue it, you could remove anything infected, alcohol (or spray with fungicide) leaves and stems (not the root area) and attach it to a mount angled downward (keeps the crown dry) with a thin layer of moss over the area that once had roots. Soak in water when dry and keep in a warm place that is fairly shaded with some humidity. It will take a while but it should eventually begin growing. At any sign of fungus, cutting and alcohol/fungicide are necessary. A rooting hormone or seaweed extract might be helpful. I found a phal for a dollar with the most beautiful white flowers but wrinkled, dying leaves and no roots this past September. It now has the start of roots and a leaf but it will be a while before it can support blooms. It is progressing very slowly.
Hope this helps.
Leafmite

[JessicaMarie]

Thanks so much, Leafmite!
I would very much prefer to try and save her. Worst case I learn something and loose a phal, best case I learn something and keep one.

Joann, I don't think that over watering was the problem. If anything I would suspect underwatering. I was always terrified I would drown her so I watered her only lightly about once a week. I would wait until she was just about dried out before I watered.

[Mervin]

Had experienced this with three of my phals.

My suggestion is to cut away the infected leaf before it spreads.
Did not do that for my first infection and lost that plant.

Personally I do not believe its due to watering, I believe its a bacterial infection.
Therefore spray the whole plant with bactericide which I hope will not be too late.

Good Luck !

[silken]

Originally Posted by Mervin

Had experienced this with three of my phals.

My suggestion is to cut away the infected leaf before it spreads.
Did not do that for my first infection and lost that plant.

Personally I do not believe its due to watering, I believe its a bacterial infection.
Therefore spray the whole plant with bactericide which I hope will not be too late.

Good Luck !

This looks a lot like an infection that spread thru some of my Phals. I couldn't get rid of it and it seemed highly contagious to other Phals that were on the same growing table. I would just toss it, disinfect the area where it was and get a new one. I would maybe even wait just in case there is any bacteria or whatever lingering to infect a new one. I know a few people with the same problem amongst their Phals. I also wouldn't re-use the pot or stake etc. If you must, I would thoroughly sterilize it. Sorry but that's what it looks like to me,

[tucker85]

The number one problem is the roots. Without roots the plant can not get moisuture and nutrients. Plants feed themselves by using water, carbon dioxide and light to manufacture sugars for survival. The infections on the leaves are opportunistic infections that take over because the overall health of the plant has declined. You can use one of the methods on this board like sphag in a bag or the vase method to provide continuous humidity until some roots start to grow. There's only a slim chance that it will survive.

[silken]

Originally Posted by tucker85

The number one problem is the roots. Without roots the plant can not get moisuture and nutrients. Plants feed themselves by using water, carbon dioxide and light to manufacture sugars for survival. The infections on the leaves are opportunistic infections that take over because the overall health of the plant has declined. You can use one of the methods on this board like sphag in a bag or the vase method to provide continuous humidity until some roots start to grow. There's only a slim chance that it will survive.

There may be a root problem which makes it succumb easier. But the ones of mine that got this were the healthiest specimens I could wish for. Tons of beautiful roots and they would still bloom loads of flowers. I've talked to others with the same type of Phals getting infected. It is a micro virus and may be called poty virus. Search it on the web and you might fine some photos of similar looking leaves. If it is in fact that (or whatever I had) I tossed all my infected ones as it spread like wild fire and never went away even tho the plant could grow and bloom. They looked awful and you couldn't have them near other healthy Phals.