Phal. leaves falling off

[Dee]

Bought two phals. at the same time from the same place and same grower. One of them is doing well, the other one is presently a flower stalk and nothing else. I've also had this problem with other phals. too, where the leaves will pull/fall off intact, and sometimes the stem will turn yellow. But the leaves are still completely green and look quite healthy. This happens so soon after I bring the plant home that it makes me think that perhaps the problem is caused by the grower.

Any idea what's causing this problem, how to treat it, how to recognize this problem in plants before I buy them?

Helen

[remo]

Dear Helen...always check the roots before you buy anything. I know, you may look foolish for about 5 seconds but wouldn't you feel better right about now if you had checked the roots and found out that they were already rotten? Wherever you bought the phals is probably not the grower anyway...just a jobber, retailer, who is moving a bunch of plants. I have become much more savvy a consumer by checking the roots of everything. They are generally 'the indicator' of a plants over all well being. I'm willing to bet that they were potted in moss and simply over watered. If possible, please post a picture of the plants, in and out of the pots so we can get a look and maybe we'll be able to help you resurrect them. Best to you and the phals!
Remo

[Dee]

You're right on. I checked two recent demises and both had completely rotten roots. I'm not concerned about looking foolish at all. Considering the price for these orchids, buyers have the right in my opinion to ensure their plant is healthy. Both plants were too far gone to resurrect-able and are now in the compost bin. beats me though how growers manage to get these plants to flower then have the roots die a few weeks later. I'll certainly check roots in future before buying them. Thank you for the advice. Helen

[remo]

Helen,
It is not the grower who is at fault...If growers were as clueless as most retailers you would never find a living phal much less one in bud or flower! I'm convinced it is the retailers...even if they are a so-called 'garden center' most of their personnel will lovingly & cheerfully water those beautiful little moss growing lovelies to death! The plants are shipped from the growers while in bud with some of the flowers open and then they are cheerfully assassinated at retail...go figure...
Remo

[Brutal_Dreamer]

Helen,
It is not the grower who is at fault...If growers were as clueless as most retailers you would never find a living phal much less one in bud or flower! I'm convinced it is the retailers...even if they are a so-called 'garden center' most of their personnel will lovingly & cheerfully water those beautiful little moss growing lovelies to death! The plants are shipped from the growers while in bud with some of the flowers open and then they are cheerfully assassinated at retail...go figure...
Remo

Sad that this is often true. I have found healthy plants in some garden centers though. Just have to pay attention to the roots as Remo suggests.

Cheers,
BD