Phalaenopsis question(s)

[dcsohl]

I got a phal about 3 1/2 months ago, and this forum was very helpful in getting things started. The plant has done fairly well, providing some spectacular flowers.

Lately, though, it's not been doing so well. I suspect that, with cooler weather, the drier air has not been kind to it. It started out with 7 leaves -- three on each side and a smaller one growing on top. One of the leaves is turning brown, and three of the others (the bottom four in total) are drying up and turning papery.

I'm concerned about it losing four leaves at once, since they only grow about one leaf a year from what I understand.

My second question/concern is that, in terms of roots and spikes, it's doing quite well. One spike and three roots have started growing since we got it. We noticed today that one root is actually spilling over the edge of the clay pot and dangling about a half inch into space on the back-side of the pot. Is this a concern? Should we be considering repotting (if, of course, it doesn't just die per my first concern )?

Thank you very much!

[gerneveyn]

It is normal for a phal to have roots that aren't contained in the pot, and they're called aerial roots. If the plant is in a clear plastic pot inside a clay one, you can look at some of the other roots checking to make sure they're green and healthy. It's normal for them to lose leaves, but I can't tell you why four at once. If you have any pictures maybe you could post them.

[jerrymeola]

Whenever you move an orchid or any plant there is a degree of shock to the plant. I can have this happen when I move a flowering plant from the shade house to my lanai, even though both are outside in the same temperatures.

so every time you buy a new plant it is shocked. Fortunately orchids are strong and survive the shock rather easily. Dendrobiums look much worst for moves often losing all their leaves.

You have new roots and as long as the new leaf is OK then all is going normally. Four leaves at a time are a lot but Phals often have only 2-3 leaves when grown in a pot. The leaves covering the older leaves cause the older leaves to die. When they grow down from tree branches they grow in a spiral with half of each leaf exposed to the sun. Most of your reaction is probably because commercial growers grow Phals under higher light conditions with automatic irrigation and cooling fans.

Give yours a little time and it should adapt just fine.

[jerrymeola]

I forgot to say that the air root is very normal for Phals. It can be left to grow outside the pot. Do not rush to re-pot. Phals can go a long time in the same pot.