Argh! Sunburned my phalaenopsis. Should I just toss it?

[NYCorchidman]

Just one leaf. That's nothing.
The plant will grow and bloom normally.
Nothing to worry about.
Do not cut that leaf off though, because the burned spot is very small compared to the rest of that leaf, which will continue to make food for the plant.
So do not cut that leaf off.

One thing I want to say is though, keep an eye on that burned leaf to make sure no infection sets in.
You will see in just a few days as the sunburn dry out.
As long as the burned spot stays and no infection starts out of it, then there is no reason to toss the plant.

[WhiteRabbit]

Originally Posted by tucker85

I've had orchids with much worse sunburn than that. I wouldn't throw it out just because of that.

[wintergirl]

Maybe she wants to make room for new orchids? That's why I suggested give it to someone... It really doesn't look bad at all.

[astrid]

Originally Posted by wintergirl

Maybe she wants to make room for new orchids? That's why I suggested give it to someone... It really doesn't look bad at all.

Haha I just hate that it has one big twisted leaf, now one big burned leaf... I just happen to be very picky about these things. The twisty leaf alone has been annoying me for a long time, and now this? I can't take it!

I have such a small collection that I can't help but notice any little ugliness on the plants, and I'd rather not look at these two ugly leaves for the next 2-3 years while the plant sheds them for new ones.

I'm giving it away on a university exchange page now.

Thanks for the suggestion!!

[weitoi]

Your plant looks very healthy other than the sunburn and a few damaged leaves. Would make a nice gift for someone who is just starting out in Orchids and as a starter plant. This way, the Orchid gets a second chance and you have room for something new you find at the shows.
Only my opinion....
Happy growing!!

[Polarizeme]

That plant looks good compared to many I have seen. There is a ton of green on it! I wouldn't throw it out either as some have said.
I'd probably take it to work and let it recuperate in my cube!

[withoutid]

Getting sunburn is my secret ingredient to make bloom resisting chids (mostly cattleya) to flower

[lotis146]

I agree with everyone else though it sounds like you made your decision from the get go. I've had a sunburned plant as well, much worse than that. The thing to watch out for that will send your plant down the hole is crown rot, that's not so easy to come back from.

Hope you get an awesome replacement!

[Raqsharqi]

I have phals that suffered through a fungus attack. They have little more than stubs for leaves. I keep them because they are still growing roots, trying to grow new leaves, and some are in spike. I figure if the plant has that much fight left, I should celebrate that. Someday, all the new leaves will have covered up the stubby leaves, and I'll have phals that fought tooth and nail to flourish. I like that.And I am proud to have fought the battle with them.

[tarev]

I won't toss that Phal. It still has a fighting chance. Eventually it will grow new leaves anyways.