How quickly can crown rot cause complete leaf loss?
 

My new mini-phal just dropped every single leaf as I picked it up (even more upsettingly, as I was remarking on how lovely it is). I've had the plant less than 2 days. :(

Generally I'm very meticulous when watering. I did mist the leaves slightly upon bringing it home in the afternoon (being sure to avoid the crown) as it was very dry and I was faffing about a little with the "new arrival". Now I'm beside myself because I feel as though I killed it. Does anyone know if crown rot can set this devastatingly, so quickly?

I don't have a photo because I've put the plant in a "recovery" spot, although I realise there's fat chance excepting a fluke basal keiki... and I'd rather not look at it again this evening. I can say that there wasn't any blackening or yellowing but the centre of the plant seemed almost bruised, darker green and slightly soft. Some of the other plants in the shop had cold and mechanical damage so it's possible this could have happened to mine but I'm not sure I can imagine how it would solely affect the centre of the plant and not the leaves. :dunno:

---------- Post added 03-04-2014 at 12:05 AM ---------- Previous post was 03-03-2014 at 11:10 PM ----------

After doing a bit of searching I'm suspecting erwinia as it's more in line with the rapid onset of decline and the colour change I saw in the leaf base. It seems entirely possible that what I thought cold damage in its buddies was in fact erwinia. At least this spares my guilt a little if it's the case...!

Currently I have everything the plant was in contact with sitting in antibacterial washing up liquid. Is it even worth trying to save the poor thing, or should I just bin it (it's been quarantined in a room with no other orchids)?

I was going to add if it was crown rot, the leaves attached to the crown turn yellow and fall. It happens very quick but only turns yellow where attached and the rest of the leaf is green. If you are seeing dark sunken bruising and soft, I was going to suggest erwina. I think that is highly contagious but have not had experience with it. I would just wipe down my other plants with alcohol (not roots) and watch closely. Maybe someone who had experience with this can offer suggestions for that.

The time scale of less than 2 days is very short. I think we have to proceed on the assumption that the plant received a damage before you brought it home. The center with young immature tissue is especially susceptible to low temps, eventually with standing water by water condensation, and with pathogenic germs on the surface, lieing in wait for their chance.
Keep your plant in quarantine. Cinnamon powder is not wrong. Both fungal and bacterial rot is possible. The root system can survive, and the little keiki can develop into the next plant with a lot of patience.
Personally I'd consider to bin it (if you have the heart to do so) and go to another shop, where plants do not show signs of cold and mechanical damage.

Thanks for your replies :) I'm comforted by the fact that it probably wasn't my fault.

I don't think I'm going to try to resurrect the plant because as cute as it was, it's not worth the potential of killing more of my collection if the problem is contagious. From erwinia to in-the-bin-ia. Oh well!

I lost several baby phals OVERNITE once, when I accidentally let the greenhouse get too cold....I had watered the day before, and the combo hit them like a sledge hammer....crown rot is horrible and fast! sometimes you can save a plant that hasn't gotten it bad yet by dousing it in peroxide.....moral of story, if you have phals, keep your greenhouse WARM! I found 55 degrees to be perfect for all.....good luck!