What is going on with my Phalaenopsis?
 

Okay, the leaves looked this way when I bought my baby. There seem to be holes? in the leaves. One is close to the base of the leaf. I just want to make sure there is nothing seriously wrong.

My second question is, my blooms fell about 3-4 weeks ago and the stem turned brown then black on the tip and seems to be working it's way down the stem. It appears healthy all the way down to the leaves. I guess, I just want to know if I should cut it and if so then where?

Please help!

Thanks,
Amanda

it looks normal to me... physical damage maybe. as long as the leaves is not turning yellow( could be sign of bacteria or just old age). i guess they are perfectly fine! cut it just below the node- the greeniest part of the flower stem. dont worry my phal is much worst than yours. Try taking a pic of your whole plant. its better to judge it dat way. :D

Your plant looks good, Amanda...nice healthy roots and all. I would cut the spike all the way down, leaving as little as possible, about 1/4". It doesn't serve any purpose any longer, it won't grow any subspikes if it's turned brown.

I agree that your plant looks good, very normal. Because of the time of year, I always cut my stem way down to the base. I have two reasons why I would do that, one is that the stem is brown, not green. And second, with the temps dropping at night this time of year, I am always hopeful for brand new spikes and I usually get them. But that is just me. :)

I agree, this phal looks nice and healthy! The damage is nothing to worry about since it's all healed up and not yellowing. I agree with the others, just cut off the spike close to it's base.

Thanks, everyone! I cut the stem when I got home today and put some cinnamon on it. I cut it about an inch above the leaf. Thanks for all your help. Now my baby can put some energy into other things! Like sending out a new stem!

yeah leaves is alright. hey i wanna ask u guys... the leaves on her phal looks darker should this lil phal be giving more light? thanks. anyway my phal is already hang up somewhere hahaha... i just followed my maid what she does... wrap it with a foam. weird but it really works!

Not sure what to tell you about the leaf color being dark, frostedeyes. Dark leaves can indicate not enough light. It can also be that it's a dark colored flower. This is my theory only, nothing I've read. I have some dark colored bloomers whose leaves are darker than the lighter colored bloomers. :dunno: