Weird twisted leaves on Phal...

[Dark Alley Dan]

Hello, folks.

I've become the de facto orchid repair guy at the office and have come to love the things. My very first, though, is something of a problem child. The leaves are severely twisted, contorted even, including the new growth.

Thanks much to Phaphlover for the technical assistance...

I've been careful about watering and exposure. These contorted leaves are a concern. I may also have spider mites - wee black specks and fine webs down in the crotches of the leaves.

Any ideas?

Thanks,

Dan

[PaphLover]

Hi Dan,

Welcome to the forum! You'll find lots of great advice and support here. I've found it's pretty easy to upload pictures directly from your computer if you can't use a URL.

Here's a useful PDF with photos that might help you self-diagnose before the experts respond. http://www.phelpsfarm.com/OrchidPestsandDiseases.pdf

Isopropyl alcohol is recommended a lot for wiping down leaves and removing pests. Also washing leaves at sink, top and undersides to remove pests. Will be interested to read what the experts have to say.

---------- Post added at 09:33 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:30 AM ----------

A webpage with specific info on mites with a video as well.

Mites I

[Dark Alley Dan]

Thanks, bud.

I tried uploading the url info from Photobucket, which seems to work pretty well on other forums, but get a message that says I'm asking too much... Will try to find another solution - this is harder to explain than to show.

[Cntry]

Kill them bugs,

To use Listerine on orchids, pour some of the substance into a spray bottle and spray the full-strength antiseptic directly onto the infected area of the orchid. Tip the orchid gently after 5 minutes to allow the Listerine to run off. A gentle spray of Listerine once a week also keeps insects at bay. Only the original Listerine should be used on orchids.

[PaphLover]

Not sure what you've tried… if you have photos on file in your computer and you hit the "Go Advanced" button below your message then there are additional options below that include "attach files". Click "manage attachments" and it will take you to your photo library on computer. Pick individual photos you want to upload, hit upload, and voilà!

Hope this helps!

[dangerouseddy]

I have a phal bellina with a leaf like that, the previous owner said it was under watered when the leaf was forming.

have read that water stress can cause distorted leaves.