Phal leaves firm but slowly yellowing

[Catriona]

Hello, I'd like some advice please. This orchid has been blooming since beginning of October when I bought it. I've recently noticed that the leaves are yellowing; the 2 bottom ones v. much so (they're also quite soft), and the others some from tip, some from base, one across the middle. I don't think the roots look as good as they could do - perhaps I've been overwatering? - although no more than the others. Any suggestions much appreciated!

[Catriona]

No photos, duh.Sorry people, havent got the hang of attaching photos yet. Maybe description alone will do? (I'll practice with the photos.) Only other thing to mention is that one of the leaves has a shallow dark indentation on it.

[WhiteRabbit]

http://www.orchidboard.com/community...ng-photos.html

Photos would be very helpful

[tarev]

While you are figuring out to upload photos so we can all see its current condition, can you tell us a bit about how you were growing it:

1) what media was it in, is it in bark mix or is there also some sphag moss in it
2) location/orientation of the plant in your house, was it near a window, and what kind of light North, South, West, East? or do you have it near grow lights?
3) watering frequency, and how do you water it, do you wet the leaves or just the root zone

[Catriona]

I'll keep trying with the photos, altho' one showing roots made it through, albeit upside down. It's in bark only, faces north west (afternoon light very good), no direct sunlight. Watered every 7-10 days, by slowly running a litre of tepid water with small amount of feed in for 3 weeks, fourth week water only. Should mention 2 large spikes have obviously been cut off prior to sale.

[Catriona]

Seems I can only send one photo at a time.

[Catriona]

Photo 2

[Catriona]

Photo 3 - last one.

[Catriona]

Sorry guys, THIS is the last one.

[Fiacre]

I know that this thread is old, and judging from the damage your phal has taken in the photos it might not even be alive anymore if it is seriously ill, but since nobody else gave any extensive advice yet...

You need to look at your roots. Remove your phal from the bark medium and take a look. I'm willing to bet that you have some serious root rot going on. Also, on your yellow mushy leaves, if they've fallen off by now (I'm sure they have) then look under the yellow fleshy parts that are still attached to the stem. If you see mold, then you need to remove all of the old dead leaf tissue carefully, without cutting the stem, and treat gently with hydrogen peroxide.

I had this exact same thing happen with a phal I bought from a local dealer. The phal was in medium it shouldn't have been in, and ended up drowning without me noticing until it was almost too late. The rapidly yellowing leaves are a sign of serious trouble in the roots, and there is probably also some fungus making its way up the stem eating the dead leaf tissue.

If you have any new bark, I would repot with fresh medium. If you baby your phal and water sparingly, it should bounce back.

I hope that this advice doesn't come too late, and good luck.