Please Help!! Leaf issue

[Koala]

I just moved, still in the same city but I put my previously indoor plant out on the screened porch, lots of rain and humidity resulted in moist moss that didnt dry out. I didnt notice till it was too late. Took plant out of medium, cut dead and dying roots and sprinkled with cinnamon. I then hung it upside down on a board cause the leaves are floppy in the darker green areas. The top leaf is fine so far so I dont think crown rot. The bottom leaf on either side is okay too. Its just the middle 5 leaves. Where it is dark green it is also spongy feeling. It has spread from 2 leaves to the current 5. Is there anything I can do? This is my first and only phal. Some of you may remember when I joined and bought it back in Feb/ March sometime. Please help,
Thanks

[mehitabel]

Looks like rot to me. Did you say it has spread from 2 leaves to 5? Bacterial rots spread very fast, and can devour an entire plant in one or two days.

The trouble with rots is that if they get into the stem, you can't save it. If the whole middle of the plant is gone, your only chance might be to cut out the middle, save (and try to re-root) the top and bottom (wait for it to sprout a new crown. Not worth the bother unless it's a uniquely special plant.

You can try spraying it with Physan 20 (a contact antibacterial/antifungal or better, Phyton 27 (also an antibacterial/antifungal.

Myself, I think it's a gonner. But wait and see what some others say. They may have some hope to offer.

[PhalPal]

Soft and spongy usually means bacterial, so I think it is history too. With that many leaves and the crown affected there isn't much you can do. Make sure you keep it away from other orchids and wash your hands after you handle it.

[jerrymeola]

It is phythion fungus and very common in early summer rains. Usually it hits Florida earlier than this but rains were late this year.

Destroy the plant before it infects anything else.

In the future better air circulation will help a lot but even with the best care occasionally this will happen.

[Koala]

I'm a murderer...
Thanks for your help everyone.

[orchidlover55]

I am so sorry I know how you feel it hurts when we loose one of our orchids doesn't it. But b4 you know it you will have one back in it's place adoring it .... Just go shopping that always helps

[Ray]

New Rule: Lose 1, Buy 2

A word of caution about cinnamon - when applying it to rots, only coat the immediate, damaged area, and NOT to the rest of the roots, as it can suppress root growth.

Dipping just the cut tip "seals" the wound well, while still allowing branches to form.

[ALJ]

It's alright. I killed my first phal and it was a birthday gift. And the four after that! I just learned how to correct my mistakes and hopefully I will do better with a new phal this time around. You will do better too!!!! Go down to your nearest orchid supplier and like Ray said buy two (or three). That way you won't feel so bad when you lose one. You'll have others to keep you company!

[Sugar Magnolia]

Originally Posted by Koala

I'm a murderer...
Thanks for your help everyone.

Nooooooo! It's only involuntary manslaughter... or would that be plantslaughter? Eh, either way, I have the same problem. I try to love my plants to death sometimes.
I was once told that I wasn't a good (equestrian) rider if I never got thrown off the horse and got back on... I just translate that to the rest of my life, including my orchids! There's a million more waiting for you!

[PhalPal]

Originally Posted by Sugar Magnolia

I was once told that I wasn't a good (equestrian) rider if I never got thrown off the horse and got back on... I just translate that to the rest of my life, including my orchids! There's a million more waiting for you!

I couldn't count how many times I have fallen off a horse! I guess that makes me really 'good'! The other part of falling off is getting dirty; if that bothers you maybe you should try a different hobby.
I guess I like both falling off and getting dirty 'cause I keep coming back for more. (referring to orchids, now!)

[articuno75]

Hehehe. Believe me I killed a fair share. It's okay. I agree with Ray. Follow the rule and buy a few new.

[solay]

So sorry to see that happen. I too am having some rot problem on a few Phals. I think over watering is the culprit.

It's a learning experience that's all. Try try again until you get it right. have fun shopping and don't forge to post pics. of the replacements.