How many leaves...

[Kassey77]

Just 2 simple questions... how many new leaves would one expect a phalaenopsis plant to grow in a year? and how long do phalaenopsis leaves live with good care?

[janet_a]

depends on the plant. i have 2 big NOID's that i've had for over 6 yrs. they each have about 9-10 leaves; they grow about one leaf a year. they've each lost maybe one or 2 leaves since i've had them.

OTOH, i have a golden peoker daughter that i've had about 5 years; it has 4 leaves. it's big, it's fat, it's always in bloom, it's blooming on two spikes right now and trying to crawl out of its pot. it just lost its bottom leaf, and is growing a new one. this plant only ever keeps four, or rarely, five leaves. it grows them whenever it feels like it. it's just its thing.

[Kassey77]

Thanks Janet,
Hmm... mine's growing its third new leaf and I've had it for 8 months, but it has dropped a few too! Every time a little leaf shows up in the crown, the oldest one yellows and drops off.

[Sharyn]

Kassey: I agree with Janet. Most of my medium size phals will get at least one new leaf per year, sometimes two. I also have some with 8-9 leaves and haven't lost any bottom leaves for years. Old age can cause a bottom leaf to drop off, however, if you're losing a bottom leaf everytime you get a new leaf, I'd check the roots. You mentioned you've only had the plant for 8 months. Check the roots for rot and you may need to clean up the plant and pot in some new media.