Leather Leaves

[CharlieB]

Good morning all.
I have several Phals that have "leathery" looking leaves. I'm thinking I may not be watering enough. They are in clear plastic orchid pots with bark mix. I submerge the whole pot once a week for about 2-3 minutes then drain completely. I'm in Virginia with a south facing window. I keep the blinds about 1/3 open and the window has sheers. Maybe to much sun?

Thanks for the help
Charlie

[gidi]

i had the same problem than i googled for an answer and found one after i typed leather and wrinckeled leaves, there are to reasons 1. the plant was exposed to cold temp for some period. 2. the roots are rot or dead.
if the planet wasn't exposed to cold temp for a period i sugest you take out the plant from his pot and check the plant roots, it's poss the are rot or dead from being wet all the time with out haveing dry period.

[CharlieB]

Well I repotted all three in November when they were in spike. Roots looked OK. I purchased them in Spag moss. Now they are in bloom but the flowers don't seem to last as long as I would expect.

[gidi]

spag moss holda a lot of water and keep high level of humidity it's poss between watering cycles the media never dried up arround the roots even dow that in surface it was dry leading to root rot.

[CharlieB]

That's why I got rid of the moss and replaced it with bark mix.
TNX

[orchidlady]

Did you soak the bark over night before using it? If not, it may not be holding enough moisture and the plants are too dry. Also, how is your humidity?

Susan

[orcoholic]

I've heard that when you switch from moss to bark, or vice versa, that the old roots will die off and new roots will develop. Check your roots. I doubt that the way you're watering will cause underwatering.

[CharlieB]

Thanks everyone. I'll soak a little longer on my weekly watering. Also do some misting of the bark during the week. It wouldn't be fun if there wasn't something new to learn.

[gardenguysorchids]

I had the same problem . I repotted a phal this summer and it immediately spiked. I let the spike develope, which I shouldn't have. When it bloomed flowers looked wilted after they opened. I cut the spike and removed the plant from the bark and found the roots had rotted. There were some new roots developing so I cleaned it up and repotted it. Fortunately it is slowly coming back. Hope yours will .

[Brutal_Dreamer]

Thanks everyone. I'll soak a little longer on my weekly watering. Also do some misting of the bark during the week. It wouldn't be fun if there wasn't something new to learn.

Great way to look at it, Charlie! Good luck. Be sure to update us on how they are doing.

Cheers,
BD