Oldest leaf dries up when new leaf grows
 

Three out of the four Phals that I have have started this season to have the oldest leaf wrinkle, dry up and fall off when the new leaf is growing. Plants all look healthy and one has put out a spike. All have healthy roots and I have not changed my watering pattern or amount of light they receive. I have had them for almost 7 years and it's heartbreaking to see the largest, oldest leaf disappear. I am posting a picture of one of them which now has 7 leaves left. She actually lost two leaves for one of the new ones last go round. The last photo is her keiki which is also loosing the olderst leaf with a new one growing. Any suggestions?

I've heard that higher humidity can help the plant support more leaves at one time. How's your humidity?

I live in South Florida, so pretty high.

The leaves don't last forever. Eventually they get old and die. Your plants look fine. You say one has 7 leaves left? That's awesome, lots of Phals never have that many! If the roots are good, humidity is good and the media doesn't look old and rotten, I'd say keep up the good work :)

Thank you silken, that makes me feel better. As long as it's what is normal, I'm okay with it. I thought eventually they would have at least 10 to 12 leaves which is why I was concerned. Now I'll be able to enjoy my Phal and wait for that spike to produce flowers.

mine do this too, perfectly normal

The old leaves die eventually, but if you are supplying plenty of water, light, humidity, and nutrients the plant will keep them longer. I have Phals with 10 leaves and some with 3.

As long as a new big healthy leaf grows out, I wouldn't worry about it. If the new leaf is smaller than the older ones, you might have a problem.

I've heard many people say that leaves always die when new ones grow. It's not true that it always happens but it's quite normal.

7 leaves on one of them is plently, I have several with just 3 or 4 as well and they seem quite happy.

I think it can all depend on the particular orchid and the enviroment it's in, I have three orchids which seem intent on becoming massive. They grow new leaves and vigorously and don't drop the old ones. Others (in the same conditions) will stick at just 3/4 leaves and do just as yours and drop old leaves as new ones grow.

I think it can depend of root mass because one I have that used to have 9 leaves then had root problems and can now only support 3 leaves, dropping the old leaves as new ones grow... but I think it also depends on the plant because some of mine have massive healthy root systems and do the same thing.

I'm not sure if you can see it well in the picture but her roots seem large, silvery with great points at the end. Under the new leaf you can see a new root starting and there are two others of the same size starting on the other side. Leaf color is good and they may be a little wider than the old leaves but they are not as long.
Ben, what does it indicate if they are not as long?

If a new leaves are not as big as older ones, it could be a sign something is wrong with the roots and/or the plant isn't getting something it needs. I've had plants where each new leaf is a little smaller than the last, and I found out the hard way that it was due to be repotted.