Phal Top Leaf Gone, Will It Still Grow?

[Ducklings]

Hello,

One of my phals (not in bloom) recently got knocked over and landed on its crown. This caused the top leaf to completely break off. This top leaf is the newest growth that developed about 2 months prior.

I've read in different websites and other forums that in cases of crown rot where the top leaf dies off, the orchid can no longer produce new growth. Is this also true when a healthy top leaf breaks off physically?

I've attached a picture of what the crown looks like after the tumble. Any help is greatly appreciated!

[78Terp]

It is unlikely to grow from the center again. You will be looking for what is called a basal keiki (a new baby plant) to grow from the base.

[Chris1140]

Yes, it may take awhile but it will probably grow a keiki.

[78Terp]

I agree with Chris. It will take some patience waiting for the keiki. Then they can grow pretty quickly. I have several now that have grown the keiki's I desired.

[zainal abidin]

Crown rots usually need to wait for the basal keiki may take weeks to few months but in your case as long as not due to infection the new leaf will emerge later.

[Dorsetman]

But it doesnt look like crwn rot. It looks more like a clean break, at the rows of cells designed for that purpose. If so, yes it will grow again from that point.

[sciencegal]

I think it will grow a new leaf. Only the leaf has broken off. The growth point of the crown is still intact. The leaf that broke may even grow out a little bit.

[raybark]

I agree with Karin & Geoff.

If the crown literally rots, it can take the apical meristem with it, in which case no new growth will occur from there, so the only option the plant has for survival is the basal growth.

That looks to me, as well, like breakage that didn't go too deep, so a new leaf is likely. Sometimes I've seen plants do both.

[-Nicola-]

Hi i too think it will grow a new leaf,
I received a phalaenopsis yesterday from a courier and it has suffered the same damage as yours.
I would recommend keeping the crown dry when watering.
Ciao Nicola

[Ducklings]

Thanks everyone! It's definitely a clean break and there's a little bit of tissue in the middle. However, I'm not sure if that's the base of the leaf that broke or not. I guess we'll see what happens in a few months if a new leaf shows up or a keiki develops. Either way, the plant is still able to produce a spike, correct?