Phals

[pikevi]

Hi,

I obtained 4 Phals that were shriveled with dried up roots about 2 weeks ago and re-potted them right away.

One of them has a yellowed out leaf ( pl. see the photo), which is still limp ,though much better than when I bought it.

Should I cut the leaf off or leave it as it is and hope the green will be 'unmasked'?

If I had to cut it where should I do it? ( I will check the orchid care threads , as well).

Thank You.

[mayres]

Hi Pikevi - just let the yellowed leaf brown and fall off naturally - it will happen soon enough. The normal process for phals to loose a leaf or two every year is like this - the stress that yours have undergone has probably just hastened this one. Once the leaf of a phal has started to yellow there is nothing that can be done to bring it back to green - just like the fall leaves turning - they have done their job and are history. mike

[Buttercup]

Hi,
I have a question here. I have a phal that lost it's bottom two leaves (they turned yellow and fell off), leaving it with two leaves. I think I have read that Phals do not grow new leaves??? Does this mean it will always only have those two leaves from now on?
Thanks!!!
Buttercup

[fzzdk]

Originally Posted by Buttercup

I think I have read that Phals do not grow new leaves??? Does this mean it will always only have those two leaves from now on?

from my understanding, phals grow leaves from the top, so the leaves on the bottom won't be replaced. what you read was probably saying that they won't regrow leaves in the places leaves have fallen off, but given the plant is healthy, more leaves should grow above the two that are left.

that said, i am a complete novice and have never had a phal. i'm just reasoning based on my (very basic) horticultural knowledge.

[Buttercup]

Thank you! That would be great if they did!!

[mayres]

You all have the right idea. The plant will continue to grow from the top with additional leaves and drop them from the bottom, never having more than a finite number of leaves. Depending upon how "happy" your phal is, it may get more leaves than it looses or vice versa. Young phals often have 6-8 leaves. More mature plants may have a dozen or so. As the bottom of the plant has leaves die off you can reposition the plant if desired. mike

The top of a phal, the point where the new leaves will emerge, is called the "crown." Since this is the central point of growth for the phal, it's imperative that no water get in that crown. If you accidentally get any water in the crown, mop it up with the corner of a tissue or paper towel. If any water lays there the plant can get crown rot, and the plant will be a gonner for sure.

[pikevi]

Hello,

I have seen new leaves coming out of Phals. (photo attached).Quite a number of my phals have put out new leaves and surprisingly they are larger than the original leaves.

orchid126: I have an oscillating heater with a setting for FAN only and during the day it blows heated air and at night it just circulates the air. It is a just a chance occurence that I set it up that way. I did not know how important it is at that time.

[mayres]

Those look pretty good - and good job on the air! mike