Is it possible that my phal is growing 2 leaves simultaneously?

[new_keiki]

Hi all,

I left this poor phal below 30oF inadvertently for an hr and it has been a sad plastic plant ever since - no signs of any activities whatsoever I was happy to see a tiny leaf coming out a few weeks ago, and to encourage growth, I thought it's a good idea to increase light. I don't think the change was that drastic (from being very close to window sill to being on window sill) but the new leaf stalled. I put it back to the same light level as before, and lately I found a 2nd leaf is growing. Does it mean the first new leaf would never grow again and I can only hope the 2nd one wouldn't have the same faith? Or is it possible that both of them can grow simultaneously? Given the older leaves are still limp (I think it's not fully recovered from that cold yet), would fertilizer help to grow the new leaf or would it simply kill it? Thank you all for your input

shuki

[IrishCreamCoffee]

yeah i'm kinda wondering about that too. I have some phalaenopsis that are growing two leaves at the same time, but both are growing. I have one phalaenopsis where a new leaf seems to be stalling and second new growth is emerging. I'm not sure if there's anything wrong. My situation differs slightly from yours in that my plant in doing fine. Although, this one, in particular, is not growing aggressively as my other phals.

[mayres]

Fertilizer and good growing conditions will definately influence how fast and large your new leaf(s) grows. In my experience if a 2nd leaf starts growing you can probably expect little change from the initial little leaf - it will remain smaller than normal. Phals like warm conditions for good growth - the warmer the better up to the low 90's. Commercial growers trying to maximize phal vegetative growth for market keep their plants in the mid 80's at least. As you have noted (I did two winters ago as well) - drop your phals into the low 50's or less and they become plastic plants. mike

[new_keiki]

Thanks for the responses. Actually, I just found out that particular phal's twin also has a 2nd leaf growing (one should be a basal keiki of the other but the size is almost identical so I call them twins)! I start to wonder if this is genetic? Well, as long as I know it wasn't because of what I did I'm relieved. Thanks!