Dying Leaf Tips - Trim?

[jbrinnen]

I have a Phal that is 3 years old and seems to be suffering from medium break down, so I transplanted today and am hoping it revives. What I don't know how to handle is the 2 leaves that have died on about 30% of the way from their point towards the main part of the plant.

Should I trim the dead portion of the leaves. One is very old (1 yr+) and one is a brand new leaf.

Thanks!
JB

[MissConnie]

if it was me, I would wait for it all to "die" and go brown and then every so often gently pull the leaf, when its ready to come off im sure it will just come off easily.

But then again, its browing from the tip down...more experienced people will answer you im sure

xxxxx

[jbrinnen]

Yah, I've been down that path plenty of times, but was curious if there's a way to stop the browning by trimming. Thanks for the input though.
JB

[Sharyn]

JB: Welcome to the forum. You should update your profile to show your location as the forum has members from all over the globe and it is helpful to know where you live to give proper advice.

Three years is a long time for the same phal media. Most of us repot every 1-2 years, depending on the condition of the media.

It is not unusual to lose an older leaf on a phal, (usually the bottom leaf)however, I'd be concerned over the loss of a new leaf. You mention that the leaves are 30% dead from the tips - did you mean dried up? Perhaps you need to increase the humidity. Pictures would help decipher the problem. As soon as you have enough posts, let us see some pictures

[jbrinnen]

Thanks Sharyn. I do mean drying up, but won't be able to get a pic out for a while. Agreed on the older leaf, I've had several wither as the plan has grown and not been concerned. However, it's the newest leaf that I'm concerned about and it started drying up from the tip. The leaf is about 4 inches long and bright green, but started drying up about 2 weeks ago. When I repotted today, the condition of the media and the roots was alarming - very damp at the botten even though it has been about 10 days since last watering. I'm pretty certain that is the cause of the problem, indeed the plan has been looking a bit sickly for a few days now... looks soft like it needed water but clearly there was moisture in the pot. I'm hoping the new media with it's better moisture management and some "breathing room" for the living roots will straighten things out - no experience to back this up, but it's my gut feel.

Interestingly, very low on the main plant stalk, about 2 inches below the media level, there is a very, very small leaf growing. It's maybe 1/4 of an inch in length but looked very healthy. Is that a new plant stalk trying to grow to the surface?

BTW, I'm in Ohio, USA.

Thanks
JB

PS- Ka'Lani is the plant's name... wish her luck! She's the first plant I've ever kept alive (of any kind) and I'm very proud of her; has flowered for me since purchase also.

[Sharyn]

JB: With the new leaf tip drying out, it sounds like your phal was and/or still is dehydrated. The fact that the bottom media was wet, doesn't mean that the roots have been receiving proper moisture intake. Dehydration can occur when roots are not receiving enough water, either due to rotten roots and the plant not being able to take on sufficient water or by not watering the plant thoroughly or often enough. The leaves will often become soft and wrinkled looking when it's suffering from dehydration.

What kind of media are you using? Your weather is about the same as mine and I've been watering my phals about once a week so your water schedule seems resonable. Did you see any root rot when you repotted?

The growth under the media sounds like a root to me, but I could be wrong. Hopefully, one of our moderators will be able to shed more light on your problem.

[brookn]

It sounds like it might be Kaulani? If so it could be Phal. Princess Kaulani. The leaf tips turning brown could also be too much fertlizer. Princess Kaulani is a violacea hybrid, and I find that they like sphag as a medium, loosely packed.

[BunnytheOrchid]

The old leaf may be taking its time before dropping, and I agree with Sharyn that lack of water would hurt the new leaf. If the medium was breaking down, then its possible the leaf couldn't retain enough moisture. Possibly also could be a burn from too much light? But that depends on your growing space and lighting conditions. The fact that its growing a new leaf is good, but it seems odd its on the bottom of the plant. The new medium will help it hold some water without it just sinking to the bottom and causing root rot. Make sure it's loose enough to drain well. Good luck!

[jbrinnen]

Thank you everyone for your feedback. It sounds like everything is pointing to what I suspected before I repotted - that the media had broken down so much that something was inhibiting proper water uptake. There was quite a bit of rot (to my eye) in the roots and the leaves were looking "thirsty" which is what concerned me as much or more than the dying new leaf. I'm hoping the new repot/new media & rot trim will turn things around.

I loosely follow my sis's recommendations on fertilizer: a very tiny amount that is very diluted with every watering. I say loosely because that worried me so I do that about every 3 - 4 waterings, or once every month to 2. I fertilized today with the new media.

The new media is Schultz's Orchid Mix and is composed of Western fir bark, horticultural charcoal, natural mineral (looks like small pebbles), and ceramic chunks. The person at the garden center recommended it.

Unless someone has a miracle cure to suggest, it looks like it's a waiting game to see if she starts to recover and get back to the robust plant I've had for the past few years. There is a new root "bud" about to emerge from the stalk, so we'll see what happens from here.

Thanks again.
JB

[Sharyn]

JB: I have used the Schultz fir bark and it's a nice size for the phals. If you did not soak the bark for 24-48 hours before repotting, you may have to water more frequently. Keep an eye on it. Have you tried the "skewer method" for watering? It works quite well.

If it is Princess Kaiulani, it is a primary hybrid between Phal. violacea and Phal. amboinensis. I have one of these. It's a little warmer-grower than my other phals. Originally it was delivered in sphag moss, which I understand they like; however, I don't do too well with sphag so I now have it potted in coir, perlite and charcoal. Seems to be doing better. I wish you good luck.