Question for experienced phal orchid growers.

[gabi_borza]

Hi there. I have a question for all of you experienced phal orchid growers. What is the lifespan of a phal orchid leaf? I have a phal that is puzzling me. It is blooming since august last year, on the same spike, each time with 5-6 flowers. Now it has buds for the third time on this spike (four of them so far).

It was repotted in april last year, has some great looking roots

(took the pictures a couple of days after watering, also checked for root rot, there isn't any, they are starting to grow from the tips), but I have a problem with the leaves. I lost one (bottom one) when I moved in september last year (not one lost bud though), and now it seems it wants to lose another one.

What is your opinion on this? How long should a phal leaf live? Thanks in advance for the advices.

[Gin]

Hi ! Phal orchids will usually lose the old 2 lower leaves while growing new from the crown (top) it is normal .. Happy Growing

[Halloamey]

Your plant looks super healthy ! As long as it is growing new leaves from the top, no needs to worry. Actually the life span of a phal leaf is quite variable depending on the growing conditions and the genetics. But as a rule of thumb for my plants, its between 1.5 to 2 years. Just check if there is net growth in your plant, i.e. for every leaf lost how many new leaves formed? You should expect to see a 3:1 or a 4:1 ratio, i.e. for every leaf lost there should be 2 or 3 new leaves formed. So a typical 3 leaved plant should have in February 2010 should have 5 or 6 leaves in February 2011.

I would also recommend that you cut the old phal spike completely to the base. This way the plant will get rest and time to grow vegetatively. It will bloom on a new spike soon and with many flowers rather than the 4-5 blooms.

[gabi_borza]

Thanks Amey (I,m proud to say all of my phals are healthy and have filled the pots with roots). That was my thought too, to cut the spike off. That phal needs a rest. It grew 2 new leaves this summer, and I think that moving to a new apartment contributed to the yellowing of the leaves (something to do with the stress).