limp phaleanopsis leaves

[dot]

why does this happen?

[jerrymeola]

Lack of moisture, cool weather, lack of light, old age any or all of them.

Why do we cut our hair or nails. They are no longer needed.

If the new growth is green and firm then the plant is growing naturally.

I have mentioned before that Phals grow down from tree branches so when we pot them upside-down it is not natural. In nature the top of the leaf (now the bottom in a pot is not light sensitive, while the bottom (now the top) is super sensitive normally only getting bounced light from the ground.

In nature the leaves spiral exposing half of each leaf. In a pot they overlap. If the lower leaf does not get light in the pot, it will die off as unnecessary to the survival of the plant.

[Aniko]

Rotten roots also can cause dehydration fallowed by limpness.

[Fabolusus]

I turn my phals everyday so that a little more light can reach those leaves at the bottom

[mayres]

In my experience - the same as Aniko - usually because the root quality has been compromised. The second reason would be too long between waterings for the media being used. Interesting that both extremes could give you the same initial outward manifestation. If I had a phal with limp leaves the first thing I would do is knock it out of its pot and check the roots (if I was sure I was not underwatering). mike

[jerrymeola]

Most of my young Phals lose their first leaves while my more mature plants can retain many.

Since most Phals are sold very young and usually forced grown for size, losing leaves the first year is normal.