Help! Top Green Leaves Falling off Phal Orchid...

[dulce]

My Phal Orchid was given as a gift about 2 months ago. Since watering last week, I noticed one of the top leaves had fallen off, followed by another top leaf today. They appeared thick n healthy, deep green just as I when I first got them, and without any yellowing or spots. But the broken ends where they detached appear to be mushy and brown / black. (The blooms on one stem have all dropped, the other stem has blooms that are drooping and falling)

I only come across info about yellowing leaves, or leaves dropping from the bottom not the top... Did I overwater? Or is there a fungus?

[orchidlady]

Sounds most likely to be crown rot. A fungus or bacteria gets into the main growing portion of the plant and rots it out. It can spread and kill the plant quite quickly. It comes from overwatering, insufficient air movement, and/or water getting caught in the top crown of the plant. Saving the plant may be difficult, but if you post pictures we may be able to tell more.

Susan

[dulce]

Here's photos...when i discovered the 2nd leaf fell off...and its state the following day. Looks like the next top leaf is about to go.

[espranch]

That is "crown rot." I really don't know exactly what to tell you, except, that it is a LOT easier to prevent it, and almost impossible to cure. Maybe some of the other members have some advice...Betty :-(

[cindiras]

Impossible to cure? Probably. since it has a bacterial componant to the rot, you can pour Hydrogen Peroxide over it, then dry the center out as much as you can and put a fan on it.

[dulce]

thanks, I'll try the peroxide. although i'm completely new at all this, so do I need to repot it after or just leave it as is and keep the treated area dried out?

[plucker]

Leave the roots as is. They will still be the only thing alright.
Crown rot is usually caused by the plant having water on it at night time in the dark when it cools and the fungus/bacteria attacks and get the leaves. That is why phals are best watered in the morning and left all day to dry. Also success is achieved if the leaves are not watered - only the roots.
Keep the watering up as per normal, and if you are really lucky the plant may throw a new growth out the side and continue on, but it will be a long battle.

Your plants chances are at about 20% of survival

[Phalcycle]

It appears that you are describing crown rot. According to the pictures, it is definately crown rot. It would most likely be caused by the excess water staying in the crown for too long.

This is an unreversable process...
You will not have any more growth from this plant (growing as a monopodial)
But if the roots look good, there is a chance of this phal throwing a basal keiki .
Dont loose all hope yet, it might give you another plant, and then you can grow from there.

Just rememebr, dont water the crown or leaves next time. It will only lead to problems such as this. Give this plant TLC and it will 'forgive' you with another plant