Ok to cut off a phal leaf?

[greenpassion]

How do I attach pics?

[greenpassion]

Guess I figured it out. Anyway, just wanted to post a few pics showing that temps of 65 during winter hasn't been harmful

[Sharon's Sheepdogs]

They are certainly beautiful!

[jkofferdahl]

Originally Posted by greenpassion

Guess I figured it out. Anyway, just wanted to post a few pics showing that temps of 65 during winter hasn't been harmful

Not all Phals come from the same lineage, and not all parent plants come from the same conditions. Some grow at lower elevations where they get lots of rain, humidity, and warmth, while others come from a bit more elevation and so tolerate a bit less warmth. A bit less. They can still be stressed and damaged from cold, however. It's quite possible that you have a dozen Phals, eleven of which come from lines that're more cool-tolerant while the twelfth comes from warmth-loving ancestors. The temperatures you've posted, despite your beautiful results, are at the low end of what Phals like even when they are on the cool-tolerant side. I'd sure love to see how that one plant would respond to another 8 or 10 degrees.

[greenpassion]

again thank you all for your replies. I want to describe again this leaf. On the top of it it has a black dry area around the size of a dime, with yellowish /red coloring around one 'side' of the black splotch. I also found beads of clear sticky syrup on the underside of the leaf. The other leaf is beginning to show signs of the yellowish/redish color just on the very outer edge. No black burnt area on it -yet. All the other leaves look fine, and it's put out several more air roots and a new leaf. I wish I could take a pic!! IF this is bacterial, what should I use? If it's a fungus, what then?

[Sharon's Sheepdogs]

Without a photo it is difficult to diagnose. It could be bacterial, fungal or even pests.You can try pouring some hydrogen peroxide on the spot for three days in a row and apply cinnamon or sulphur on the spot afterwards to see if that stops it. If it's fungal, hydrogen peroxide might also help or you could try physan 20. Different diseases require different treatments. Can't really offer any additional suggestions without a photo which might (or might not) help with a more definite diagnosis.

Leaf symptoms can result from many different causes including cultural problems such as exposure to cold temps even briefly, nutrient deficiencies, mechanical damage or one of the many diseases that can affect orchids whether it's bacterial, fungal or viral or, as mentioned beforehand, it could be from pests. Leaf symptoms can also be caused by problems going on with the roots. Have you checked those? As you can see, there are many possibilities.

Another member noted you are growing a warm temperature orchid in cooler conditions than what is recommended. As this member pointed out, the majority of the phals you are growing are tolerating the conditions without problems but this might be the one phal that is not. Knowing this, the first thing I would look for is symptoms a phal might develop when being grown in temps they are not usually tolerant of.

A heat mat may help keep the roots warm but I doubt if it will help with the leaves which is where your problem is developing. Would it be possible to place a small heater with a thermostat that turns on when temps drop to an undesirable level in the area you are growing your phals?

Unless someone else responds with any ideas, you can try researching the issue at either of these websites:

Orchid Pests, Orchid Diseases

Diagnosing Orchid Problems

You can also try googling 'symptoms of leaf damage to phalaenopsis exposed to cool temperatures' or 'black spot" on phalaenopsis or orchid leaf' and when the page comes up, click on images. If you can't provide us with a photo, maybe you can find an image that looks similar to the symptoms your phal has developed that might help with a diagnosis. Let us know if you find anything. Hope this helps!

[jkofferdahl]

You can describe the leaf all day, but without a photo we can't really do anything but guess. Each guess we give, you shoot down because all of your other plants are OK. Orchids just don't work the way you want them to. I wish you luck with your growing, and a nice life.

[Dollythehun]

I understand your photo problem. Technology is great when it works. I have a Phal which has similar symptoms. The edges of the leaves are sometimes dry looking and it has exuded a little sap at one time or another. My problem was underwatering and my greenhouse window does get cool in the winter. It could be a water droplets(s) got on there and caused blemishes. Rather than radical amputation, why not isolate it untill you can get your phone fixed and get a picture. It is frustrating for those giving suggestions when there are lots of "yes buts" involved, so get a picture when you are able and perhaps we can be more helpful.😁

[greenpassion]

When I can take pics I certainly will. Thanks