No ID Vanda with a leaf that won't open - Orchid Board

Newoptions · #1 06-25-2018, 02:15 PM

I have a No ID vanda that I saved out of a trash bin about a year ago. It is doing well with lots if new root growth and the top leaf is getting longer but it is sealed and doesn't steam to open. None of my other vandas behave this way and I was thinking someone here might have some information on what to do. So far I have left it alone and it has gotten longer but that is it. Any help would be appreciated!

Ray · #2 06-25-2018, 05:58 PM

Sometimes leaves don't grow properly, but it's not worth worrying about

That damage will likely prevent further growth, but don't worry about it too much, as another will follow.

Newoptions · #3 06-25-2018, 06:29 PM

Thank you for the reply Ray! The damage spot is not actually what I was concerned about. The leap is grown about 3" in my care. It seems to be sealed on both sides all the way down into the crown. So I guess my question is should I cut it open to allow new leaves to emerge. The sealed portion is about 5.5" long and the leaf itself is 8.25".

Ray · #4 06-25-2018, 09:03 PM

Do not cut it.

That leaf "fusion" sometimes happens, as I wrote before, and it really does no harm to the plant. If you cut it, you'd be creating wounds that can be entry points for pathogens.

camille1585 · #5 06-26-2018, 03:21 AM

Is it really sealed as in the tissues are fused together? Sometimes the 2 sides are just stuck to each other, a gentle running a finger down it can unglue them.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ray

Do not cut it.

That leaf "fusion" sometimes happens, as I wrote before, and it really does no harm to the plant. If you cut it, you'd be creating wounds that can be entry points for pathogens.

If it remains that way, how does the next new leaf grow? It'll be coming up inside the tube.

Newoptions · #6 06-26-2018, 03:58 AM

It is definitely fused! I have tried pressing on it and sliding my finger down it and there is no opening except for the vary top. I am also concerned about how a new leaf is going to manage to emerge and that is why I am asking for advice. Ray has probably forgotten more about orchids than I will ever know so I am inclined to listen to what he has to say but I would definitely welcome the input of anyone who has experience with this.

King_of_orchid_growing:) · #7 06-28-2018, 01:21 AM

I am going to echo what Ray has told you.

Do not worry about such a leaf. Sometimes it happens. It does not negatively affect the plant much in the long run.

Do not cut the leaf. Do not do anything else to it, just leave it alone, it will be just fine.

The new leaf will either eventually push through and break through the seal or this leaf in question will automatically die back in time to leave room for the new leaf. There is a chance the new leaf could be deformed as a result of this leaf, but I somehow don't think so.