Phal leaves pitted and some small brown hard blisters

[byngga]

All was going well - A small new leaf and a new flower spike starting to grow. But a new worry (see attached pics). This brown patch showed up in the space of about 4 days. Also, the new leaf is looking a bit yellowy - Not as green and lush as the older leaves.
Any ideas? Is this normal?

[NYCorchidman]

The new leaf is generally much lighter in color and the color darkens as the leaf develops.

I see that your plant looks fine, except for that dark patch you point out.

I would get a disposable razor blade and cut out that part or that leaf. One leaf off does not harm the plant. Be very careful when you cut near plant center where the leaf attaches itself to the "trunk".
When you make a incision, do not cut into the dark patch or the subtle brownish halo around it, but cut away from the actually patch into healthy green tissue.

I would hurry because the brown patch is very close to the "trunk" and usually when infection reaches the trunk, then it is the end of the plant.

Usually when caught early on, this kind of problem is taken care of.

Good luck!

[lepetitmartien]

I don't like this dark patch at all, see on pic #2 it's diffusing in the green. Have a look in transparency and cut large aorund the infiltrared zone (an inch away) or near the base, as best as you can. It may remove the leaf completely.

I'd drench the plant with hydrogen peroxyd to disinfect for bacterias and put cinnamon power on the cut.

[RosieC]

My first thought about the area in your last pictures is that it reminds me of burnt leaves, though the pictures aren't sharp enough to be sure. I've had areas go like that when they were pressed against the window and got cold as well, including the dark area around.

However... because it's so close to the center of the plant I would take the advise above and cut away the leaf to make sure it's not something that's going to spread. If it were further into the leaf I might advise keeping an eye on if it spreads further, but as it's so close to the center if it's spreads it could cause major problems before you can stop it.

However I will also say, especially as you are new to growing phalaenopsis orchids, that you need to make sure you are not keeping it in direct sunlight. It lights enough light, but not direct sun.

[byngga]

Thanks for that advice. I'm thinking it 'might' be direct sunlight damage - I left it on a windowsill whilst we were on holiday for 3-4 days and that window does get some direct sun in the morning. The weather was a bit sunnier than the forecast (I saw the forecast and thought it'd be safe there for a few days). I've moved it to a different spot over the last week (away from the window) and the patch doesn't seem to have grown any bigger since we got back from hols and I've had my eye on it. I think I'll measure it and see if it's growing in size.
If it is sunlight damage should I still cut it out with a razor do you think?

[RosieC]

We have had some nice sun in the UK the recently haven't we

If it's sunlight damage then I would just leave it. I still have marks on one of mine that occured a couple of years ago. The leaves are now covered by other non-marked ones and will eventually fall off when they get old. It's a bit unsightly but if it's sun damage it won't hurt anything.

The one thing to note is that even with sun damage the damaged part can get infection when it's new damage. As the damage ages it dries up (like a scab) and that's not a problem.

Basically if it's spreading them cut the leaf off fast!

[byngga]

So far, so good I've kept a close eye on the patch and it doesn't seem to be growing (about 2mm from the main stem). Have been extra careful lately to keep it out of direct sun and soaking once a week with orchid feed.
We've been enjoying some excellent spring sunshine here in Worcestershire over the last few days.

[byngga]

It's looking pretty healthy so far (fingers crossed) - leaves and root system are looking great and the new leaves are growing well. I'm just wondering now about my flower spike... it's sent up quite a short spike - seemed to stop growing upwards at about 4 inches and has sent out an arch of flower buds. I was kinda expecting the spike to grow as tall as the original one (up to the top of the support is about 12 inches) I'm also worried that the first flower that is starting to open looks all dry and wrinkly any idea if this is normal? I'm watering once a week with weak orchid food (bio) and misting the air around it occasionally. Anyone have any views about the flower spike?

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[RosieC]

Unfortunately that bud is blasting

It's probably from the disturbance, it happens sometimes, hopefully the others will be OK.

[byngga]

Ah - I read about the dreaded bud-blast last night. That shrivelled one has dropped off now but the rest look OK (if a little small). I was wondering about the flower spike also - It has the little mitten shape at its peak, so I was hoping it would grow a bit taller. I can't remember exactly what the spike was like on the original one but it was a lot taller.