Abnormal Phal growth

[jay]

Ok, I know that I have posted this phal before, but it is continuing to to some very odd things. It began growing a second leaf before finishing its last one. And now it is growing a third leaf before the last two have finished growing. It seems that the first two leaves have all together stopped growing. I checked the roots, and you can see from the photo, that they are fine. It is getting the same culture (water, light, nutrients, humidity) as my other phal which is not having any problems and actually in spike right now.

Any ideas? How weird is this?

Jay

[kmarch]

I occasionally see this in one of my Paphs. I think it is from the plant having been stressed at one point and that it is effectively "starting over" with small leaves, almost as if it has gone back to being a seedling and is growing up all over again. If I'm right and this is the case with your Phal, given good culture, the plant should eventually just "grow up" again and be ok.

[PhalPal]

I had this happen to a Phal that I had in Orchid ICU for months. It grew several small, deformed leaves very quickly. However, it eventually died anyway despite my valiant effort. After a year of careful nursing I ended up throwing it away.

[jay]

Thanks Kmarch and PhalPal.

Kmarch, this actually makes sense. It had a hard couple of weeks adjusting to the S/H switch. I transplanted it during new growth which helped save it, but it must be "starting over" in this new culture. I expect it to do very well now that the roots are going crazy.

Jay

[kmarch]

If the roots are "going crazy" that's good. Good root growth will lead the way to good plant growth. I'd be optimistic.

[jay]

If you look in the picture, you can see the root tips to 4 of the new roots. There are actually several more just below the surface of the Hydroton. I am sure that this will recover and have beautiful blooms soon.

Jay

[mayres]

I'd vote for Kevin's analysis - "starting over". Looks very healthy now with great color - well on its way - let us know how it does.

[Vivienne]

I too have had this happen - my 'ugly' Phal. Sorry, the pic is old.

[evagentry]

i also had one do this, but like Phalpal, after a long time of patient care I gave up and threw it away, but your root growth looks better than mine did.

[LLW]

I had this happen to one of my Phals when I moved to the hydrotons. All in all I have 6 Phals in hydrotons and they love it! The one that put on the small leaves at first is now in spike and has the biggest leaves of all 6. Lashelle

[jay]

LLW, did your phal skip a season after going into the Hydroton?

Jay

[GiovannaD]

Has happened to me as well. Some, the weaker ones, have even skipped a flowering season. I take it that your phal stalled for some time before resuming leaf and root growth, right? Since you phal has adjusted so well (new roots) be prepared for some dramatic growth this spring and summer. It could be putting out new leaves right until december.

[kmarch]

I'd like to hear, from those who have had a similar thing happen to one of their phals (and it sounds like there are quite a few of you), what you did about it (if anything) and how your plant is going today.

[Nancy]

I have a Phal noid from the Home Depot that this happened to. When I bought it it was potted in spag and I immediately put it in bark. It grew a leaf, but it was much greener than the original leaves and it was only halp the size of the others. I've tried to keep it in one place and to water it on the same schedule every week. It is now growing another leaf and I'll guess I'll see what happens with this one. I think some Phals. just adjust to change very slowly. Good luck with your Phals.

[mayres]

The president of our orchid society has a phal that put out two leaves about half size and he claimed it was due to less feeding than his usual regimen? It was a mature plant and by small I mean they were like normal size young plant leaves 4-5 inches - instead of 10 inch leaves. Another potential issue to consider...................