phalaenopsis help

[vicki]

I have a (unknown name) phalaenopsis, that has started to send a spike up. It has 3 flower buds so far. My problem is, since it started sending the spike it has dropped 2 leaves. Should I cut spike back and check roots? Or wait and see if any more leaves drop? The rest of the leaves look good but the others did to before they dropped off. This has taken a month or maybe alittle more to take place. Help!

[Kerry]

Hi Vicki

Just to check - the leaves that have dropped, are they from the bottom or from the top? It is quite natural for the leaves to yellow and die, dropping off from the bottom as the plant grows. This is the way that phals grow, and you will gradually see roots emerging from the lower regions of the plants body (don't know the technical name) as there are more leaves higher up to support it. All phals seem to have a different number of leaves that they need. I have a couple who seem happy with 3 leaves, and I then there are two I can see at this moment that have 8 and 9 respectively. The one with 9 is quite a small plant, the one with 8 is massive.

If the leaves have dropped from the top, there is porbably a problem, and I would suggest that you post a couple of photos to allow forum members to look at the plant and tell you what they think is wrong.

If it's just the plant naturally getting rid of it's older leaves, then it is likely that once the plant has flowered it may send up a new leaf from the top as well (or like a couple of mine do it all at the same time and waste energy!)
hope this helps,

[Brutal_Dreamer]

to what Kerry as said. I would also ask that you post a photo of the plant so that if there is a different kind of problem causing the leaf drop, maybe someone here will be able to identify if for you so you can stop it from happening again.

Cheers,
BD

[baytownboy]

I would like to ask for help with my phalaenopsis, as well, and hope this is the correct forum to do so.

Hi,

I have several phals that I bought last year, from March to July. By September all blooms were gone, and I was told by my local orchid group to cut the spikes ALL THE WAY TO THE BOTTOM to assure that the next blooms would be bigger. I later learned that this is called "RESTING" the orchid.

Now it's March, typically Phal bloom season, and I have NO SIGNS OF A SPIKE ANYWHERE. From what I've read here and in several books, it's recommended that I put the phals in a room at 55 degrees F. to "shock" them to their senses.

I live in Hollywood, CA and my phals are in front of an east-facing window. They're in a tray with pebbles and water. The living room has an air conditioner, a ceiling fan and a fan specifically for the orchids. Still, around 11PM last night, the temperature was 74 degrees, and the humidity was barely 44%.

Would I be insane to put a phal in the refrigerator for an hour or two?

Help, please.

Romulus

[stacey8989]

The refrigerator is too cold. Can you leave the window open? Temps are dropping into the 50s at night in my part of LA. I repotted 5 plants today....but it was more like repotting 7 since big gusts of wind came out of no where and knocked 2 over

[dorka]

Hello,
I am lucky enough to have 7 phanelopsis in full boom. This beautiful green/yellow phanelopsis (in white big pot on the window sill) kept blooming for more than one year before and now is full of flowers again. But within 9 days all 10 leaves became wrinkled, wilted and very soft in touch. I water it on regular basis. It always stays in my bay window facing East but also getting some noon sun. Is it too much? What to do? Please help!!!! I wouldn't like to loose it.

[cstraub]

Hi Baytownboy,
Do you have room to set them outside ? Why not do that at night for awhile. I don't know how long is necessary to prompt spiking but somebody here will.
Carl

[Cjcorner]

Flowering a phal is determined by sun, nutrients and proper watering. Some do need the temperature drop, some don't. For those of you with basements up north, the humidity in a basement is usually perfect for phals. Put them in a spot next to a drafty window and check to see how cool it gets. Do not put them in front of A/C or heat vents ever as this is bad for them. They hate sudden gusts of wind that is hotter or colder than the room. Usually the number one rule of thumb, if you have a pretty green phal...move it to a sunnier location. The reason 99% of all orchids do not bloom is lack of proper sun. Make sure to move them towards brighter light a little at a time so they can get used to the increased sunlight and not get big ugly burn spots.
To the person losing leaves...if they are dropping from the top pour lots of hydrogen peroxide into the leaves and let it bubble away. Then set it in a breezy spot to let it dry faster. Retreat if necessary a few days later. It won't hurt roots, pour it on as you like.
Good Luck E1

[jtlqh]

It could be too much sun, or it might be the roots are bad. Take it out of the pot to check for the roots. You may need to repot.

[breeindy]

Don't think dorka has any flowering problems. Did you flower the phals on that window? Darker leaves can indicate not enough light or if too much light you'll notice lightening,burning of the leaves. Yes roots tell all but don't know if the flower spikes will last the un potting. Could be staying moist for to long and roots could be rotting.