Basal growths on Phal.

[patlee]

I admit to inadvertantly letting this poor plant get too much sun & burn. Now I have these strange new growths coming from the base of the orchid. Does anyone have any idea as to what they are? Are they a consequence of being sunburned? TIA!!

[bellina9]

What a horrible looking growth!! It looks like an "ingrown leaf" (I made this up myself ) kind of like an ingrown hair that cannot get out of the skin.... it looks like an ingrown leaf that couldn't get out of the plant base, you can even see where it finally split the side of the plant open.


I really have no idea, but thats my best guess. Thanks for posting I've never seen anything like that.

Have a great thanksgiving

[digitalgate]

still a leaf dont worry. With a single source of light , the leaf will straighten out.

[kmarch]

Crumpled leaves like this don't straighten out completely. It will always be a bit rumpled. It looks like the growth is coming out of the crown of the plant so I dont' think it's a new growth from the base. The plant looks a bit dehydrated which would explain the crumpled new leaves. Check the roots and if they are good, consider keeping the plant a bit more moist or raising the humidity around it.

[pikevi]

First I thought that it is a result of an impaction. Them I thought it might be lack of moisture/water. But then I saw the root (on the far side) which seems to be crimped too.

Could there be something more than just lack of water?

I think it will survive but ,from the looks of it,the leaf will not straighten out.

Is there only one root that shows the crimps?

[brookn]

pikevi I think that is leaf also, looks like it split pretty good. I have never seen this before, perhaps a little less light, and more humidity like Kevin said. Good luck.

[pikevi]

hmmm.. Thanks, brookn. I thought it was a strange looking root!

[brookn]

It's strange looking no matter what lol. Patlee you have a very unique occurrence with this plant, I am curious as to how this will turn out.

[MSPProductions]

I would definitely agree with humidity being the issue. Is the plant in charcoal and stone?

[articuno75]

That was going to be my question too. I thought while looking at this plant that it was in total charcoal. Charcoal doesn't hold a whole lot of moisture does it? I too would check the roots for more crimping and if there is lack of moisture. Maybe see about adding some chopped spagh moss to the mix.

[patlee]

Thanks, All--I am sorry the picture was not sharper. Brookn was right and that thing Pikevi at first though was a root is the longest and straightest leaf. The whole thing is planted in Schultz's Orchid Mix, so, no, Articuno, it is not in all charcoal--the mix is bark, charcoal and arcillite ( for water retention, I think). But this poor thing needs some more help--I will chop up some sphagnum moss and raise the humidity as you all suggest.
I'll let you know how this all turns out, but it started this summer outside .It was very,very humid. It has been inside for a good month now and the growth seems to be trying to straighten into new leaves. I'm dousing it with worm tea now--I hope that helps!! Thanks for your advice...