Phal leaf problem

[kel80]

Hi all, newbie here! I really love orchids and wanted to start a "hobby" caring and loving them, but right now I'm pretty frustrated. I bought my first orchid (a phal) that was just absolutely beautiful, and it even bloomed three times in one year, happy, and very healthy. Then my cat knocked it over off of the sill, and the leaves broke off as did the buds. During this time frame of trying to nurse her back to health, I went out and bought another one.

I bought it from a nursery, so I thought all was okay, until I brought it home and tried to repot it. The roots were gray, falling apart and stringy. I did the "surgery" and repotted here and saved was able to save a few roots. She seemed fine.

Now-the leaves have ridges in them (like one would get on their nails) and they are very weak. I wish I had my camera. The buds are starting to wilt, as are the flowers. This has been going on for a few weeks now-so I decided to check the roots again. Same thing-gray and stringy roots. I cut the bad ones off, completely repotted again.

She hasn't perked up at all. Without photos, does anyone have the slightest idea what is wrong? Please let me know if you need anymore info. I'm sorry this is so vague.

Thanks for your help!

[pikevi]

Hello kel80, Welcome to the forum.

Someone will be along to help you. But if it is possible try and post a picture so that someone can narrow the diagnosis down to a specific condition.

Good luck

[brookn]

Okay I think I have read enough posts on this to help. You need to cut off the spike, so that the plant can conserve it's energy for healing. Because of the bad root system, the leaves are simply not getting enough water. Watering even more will not help. Could you let us know what it is potted in? If there are enough roots on the plant you could still save it but the spike, buds, and blooms will just take too much of the plants energy. If the roots that are left have black spots on them you probably have fungus or rot. From what I have read here give a dose of Phyton,or Physan, and if you don't have those you can use hydrogen peroxide and just pour it onto the medium and roots. Hope that helps.

[kel80]

brookn, thanks! I meant to take some pictures this morning but didn't have a chance. I will as soon as I get back from the holiday weekend.
It is potted in Miracle Grow orchid potting mix with bark. Thankfully, there are no black spots on the roots.
I'll go ahead and cut the spike and try the hydrogen peroxide.

Thanks very much!

[Aniko]

Your plant lost a part of the root system which causes dehydration of the leaves. Cutting off the spike, as brookn suggested was a good idea, but in sever cases you need a lot of patience until new roots grow, and than new leave appear.
The old leaves will remain floppy looking but firm after recovery.
To promote rooting you might use Superthrive solution, which is really effective.

When it's time for watering, soak the whole pot in water at least 15 minutes or more, to give time to the medium and roots to absorb the water.

[PhalPal]

kel80 - having lost MANY Phals due to root rot,this is what I would do. Everything stated above by other posters, AND I would (yet again) re-pot into a finer mix. (keep reading everyone...!) I am not a fan of bark at all, regardless of the courseness. It was my primary source of why I lost so many plants in the past. If it is available in your area, try Aussie Gold or a similiar homemade mix of mainly coir with perlite, charcoal and/or dynarock added. Sprag moss is also a good choice BUT with either recommemdation above you will need to be extra careful with over-watering. More water will not cure your plant at this point. I recently saved a Phal from certain death using AG and a foliar spray of worm tea. I cannot believe the results and the plant is now growing a new leaf and has enough root structure to secure itself in the pot. I promised on another thread to post pictures of my 'Orchid ICU' protocol this weekend since it worked so well for me. Also, check out Cynthia's 'skewer method' for checking the moisture level of your medium nearest the roots. Terrific, easy method that I have learned to rely on greatly! Good Luck with your sick baby!
Any Old Timers - How do I add a link to a post? i.e. cynthia's skewer method?

[Aniko]

Here is the link:
http://www.orchidgeeks.com/forum/newbie-questions/1099-skewer-use-for-watering-of-orchids.html

[chefatplay]

PhalPal, I've been trying unsuccessfully to figure that out, too. Maybe someone will tell us now.

[Aniko]

chefatplay,PhalPal - do you mean: how to copy and paste a link?

[PhalPal]

Yes, Aniko, however my Engineer husband just got home from work and showed me how to do it. It never occurred to me to just go to the top of the page and copy and paste the link. I'm too used to navigating around the forum without even looking up there. I knew it had to be easy but DUH!
Chefatplay - Here's how to do it: I found the post that I wanted to include in my text, highlighted it and right click 'copy'. Then you go to the message box to write your message, just right click and 'paste' just like you would in a word document. Thanks Aniko for looking the link up for us!

[chefatplay]

Oh, for heavens sake. We should have known that! Thank you for teaching me. Look links, life will never be the same!

[kel80]

I can't believe it. I am in awe and my husband thinks I'm a huge nerd. Today I got home from work and checked on my girl. She is doing so much better. Her leaves have fattened up and the ridges are gone. I cut the spike off on the 25th and it's only been five days. What a difference. She still has a long way to go, but it's definitely a start! Thank you everyone!