Falling bottom leaves - is this normal?

[keladabi]

I bought a Paph about a month ago (Supersuk 'Eureka' AM/AOS x Raisin Pie 'Hsinying') x sib PAM-PV. The main plant is in bloom and it has about 3 "babies" growing next to the main plant in the pot.

Here is the problem - the plant has been losing the bottom leaves of the babies, one by one (always the bottom one). The leave first starts turning kind of yellow, gets some dark spots and finally becomes very dark and falls off.

Is this normal?

Otherwise, the plant seems to be doing very good. The bloom is doing great and the other leaves keep growing.

Thanks!

[jerrymeola]

You should not lose the new growth on a Paph or any other orchid.

This sounds like fungal rot. The lowest leaves are closest to the medium and the most in contact with moisture.

Curing it is difficult. Hopefully the plant can over come it. Prevention is the proper tactic. Good air circulation would be the most beneficial thing you can do for your Paphs. A circulating fan seems to be a necessity.

[keladabi]

Thanks Jerry. That is what I was afraid of.... I'm only watering it 1 x week, but it is sitting on a humidity tray. Should I take it off of it?

[articuno75]

Increasing the airflow using fans as Jerry suggests would be your best bet. Just taking away the humidity tray even though the medium is still moist like that will still cause the fungal issues.

I don't suggest watering less either. This can stress the plant. Just increasing airflow should suffice.