Orchid Care OrchidTalk Orchid Forum Links Nursery

Welcome to OrchidTalk Orchid Forums


The Friendliest Orchid Community on the Internet!


  •  » Learn to Repot your Orchids
  •  » Learn Orchid Care Tips and Secrets
  •  » Find the perfect Orchid for your Growing Environment
  •  » Chat with Orchid Growing Professionals

OrchidTalk - "Bringing People Together to Grow Orchids Better!"


Let us help you grow your Orchids better; Join our community today.


YES! I want to register an account for free right now!


Register or Login now to remove this advertisement.

Results 1 to 8 of 8

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

Click here to increase the font size Click here to reduce the font size
  1. #1
    Join Date
    Sep 2010
    Posts
    3

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

    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?

  2. #2
    Real Name
    Susan
    My Grow Area
    Under Lights
    Favorite Orchid(s)
    Phal and Paph species
    Join Date
    Apr 2009
    Location
    Seattle, WA
    Posts
    1,556

    Default

    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

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Sep 2010
    Posts
    3

    Default

    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.
    Attached Images Attached Images    

  4. #4
    Real Name
    Betty
    My Grow Area
    Greenhouse
    Favorite Orchid(s)
    encyclia
    Join Date
    Mar 2010
    Gender
    Female
    Location
    N. East Texas
    Posts
    2,747
    Member's Country Flag

    Default

    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 :-(

  5. #5
    Real Name
    Cindi
    My Grow Area
    Under Lights
    Favorite Orchid(s)
    Catts
    Join Date
    Nov 2007
    Location
    Central Iowa
    Posts
    1,766
    Member's Country Flag

    Default

    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.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Sep 2010
    Posts
    3

    Default

    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?

  7. #7
    My Grow Area
    Greenhouse
    Favorite Orchid(s)
    catts, paphs
    Join Date
    Dec 2008
    Location
    Townsville, Qld, Australia
    Posts
    76
    Member's Country Flag

    Default

    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

  8. #8
    Real Name
    Jay Tho
    My Grow Area
    On a Porch/Patio.
    Favorite Orchid(s)
    Phals and Vanda
    Join Date
    Aug 2010
    Location
    Massachusetts, USA
    Posts
    62
    Member's Country Flag

    Default

    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

Similar Threads

  1. Phalaenopsis leaves falling off
    By anneliebrewer in forum New Growers: Ask the Senior Members
    Replies: 18
    Last Post: March 13th, 2013, 03:51 PM
  2. Phals leaves falling off ?
    By Jeff Rutledjd in forum Phalaenopsis, Oncidium, & Intergenerics IN BLOOM
    Replies: 9
    Last Post: September 22nd, 2010, 03:53 PM
  3. Phal - Yellow Leaves & very green medium
    By Lex3414 in forum Orchid Ailments / The Compost Pile
    Replies: 8
    Last Post: May 7th, 2008, 10:26 AM

Tags for this Thread

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  
OrchidTalk --An Orchid Growers Discussion Forum brought to you by River Valley Orchidworks. A World Community where orchid beginners and experts talk about orchids and share tips on their care, cultivation, and propagation.