Phalaenopsis Leaves
 

Hello, i purchased a phalaenopsis in April 2010 and it flowered until August 2010. After that i cut both its spikes to the base of the plant, once it got to September it started to grow a new leaf along with roots and closely followed by a single spike which is growing and it appears that some buds are starting to form from a few nodes. What my problem is that the new leaf is only about 6 inches long and is only 2/3's the size of the other leaves. It seems that the plant has put more energy into the spike and the leaf has stalled in its growth. Will the leaf carry on growing to a mature size? Or could there be something not quite right with the plant?

Have you checked the roots?

Its potted in a clear plastic pot. I didnt want to disturb the root while the spike was forming but looking through the plastic they look ok. I take it you think the leaf should carry on growing under normal good conditions?

I'm really not an expert, but you may want to gently pull it out of its pot and make sure the roots in the middle are ok. If it is in sphag it may be that the center roots are rotting. They usually pack the sphag really tight and this can be very bad. I would think the leaf should be ok, but I would still check the roots. Phals are not very fussy about being repotted in spike so it shouldn't hurt it to check.

I have phals with partially grown leaves and new spikes. Not a problem in my opinion, especially as you say that the roots look fine. Sometimes the first leaves in a new location are a little smaller than the ones grown in optimal greenhouse growing conditions, but plants eventually adapt. In my experience, the new leaf will be fine.

You have a new spike, that's good growing!

I've also had phals stop leaf growth while a spike is growing, then start back up after it blooms. I wouldn't worry about it and just enjoy the flowers.
Joann

I think it's probably normal. If you can see good looking roots through a plastic pot it should be OK on the roots. I usually worry if I can't seem the roots properly, or if those I can see don't look too good.

I have one right now which has stalled the leaf while flowering. I fully expect it will grow the leaf again once it's finished flowering. Also at this time of year in the UK the leaves tend to grow less because of the cold weather and lower light levels.

I have one the grows a nice big leaf in the summer when it's warm. It then starts another leaf in the fall as well as a spike. On this plant the leaf does not continue growing. It looks really odd. One side of the plant has small leaves and the other side has big leaves. Hasn't seemed to affect it's health in any way.

The other thing you have to bear in mind is that your growing conditions, whilst perfectly adequate as is indicated by the success you are having, are not those of the greenhouse it was raised in. your plant is obviously healthy and happy, so enjoy it and don't worry too much - Phalaenopsis can be very untidy unsymmetrical plants in any case.