Phalaenopsis leaves yellowing

[pdxmaven]

I rescued this phalaenopsis, variety unknownt, and repotted it last fall. At that time, it had had two stems, with no action. A couple of months ago, one of them got buds and then started flowering about a month ago, and now has 4 lovely flowers. The other spike is growing what looks like a little baby plant on it, about 9" up the stem, with two baby leaves. Meanwhile, I am noticing that its two huge leaves are yellowing, one to the degree that it is almost ready to die and now the other one is headed in that direction. What to do?

[Ross]

Originally Posted by pdxmaven

I rescued this phalaenopsis, variety unknownt, and repotted it last fall. At that time, it had had two stems, with no action. A couple of months ago, one of them got buds and then started flowering about a month ago, and now has 4 lovely flowers. The other spike is growing what looks like a little baby plant on it, about 9" up the stem, with two baby leaves. Meanwhile, I am noticing that its two huge leaves are yellowing, one to the degree that it is almost ready to die and now the other one is headed in that direction. What to do?

Can you provide a picture?

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

If the flower spikes are still intact that is a baby Phal growing from one of them so leave those on the plant. Your Phal is "bailing out" it is trying to preserve itself by producing a new baby Phal from the flower spike. The mother plant may not live much longer, but there's a tiny chance it still may.

I generally never cut off any of the flower spikes of all of my orchids until I'm absolutely certain the flower spikes have dried out and will never again produce any flowers or baby orchids period. Flower spikes on many species produce flowers repeatedly from the same spike.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

This is what you can do for the plant. Leave the mother plant undisturbed. Reduce water down to once a week if you water more than once a week. Water without any fertilizer whatsoever.

Do not attempt to pollinate the flowers! Pollination will tax the mother plant out and reduce the chances of anything coming out your actions.

Now the baby Phal. Tie some moss big enough to fit under the stem of the baby Phal that's growing on the mother Phal's flower spike onto a piece of cork bark. Take the flower spike with the growing baby Phal and tie the baby with flower spike onto the cork bark mount. Make sure the tiny swab of moss is directly underneath the baby Phal. Leave the flower spike on the mother plant, do not cut off. Grow mother plant potted and mounted baby together. Water the baby Phal twice a week. Fertilize the baby Phal every two weeks. When a Phal is mounted the leaves naturally want to grow downwards like they do in nature. After the roots on the baby Phal grow to be about 1/4" to 1/2", cut the flower spike with the baby Phal halfway between the baby and the mother with a sterilized cutter. Leave the remaing flower spike on the baby Phal alone until it dries out completely, then remove.

If the other flower spike produces another baby Phal, repeat above. If not remove it with a pair of sterilized cutters.

As for the mother Phal. After cutting the flower spike with the baby Phal remove the mother plant from the pot (if it's still alive). Cut out all the dead roots, and clean off the living roots by removing all the dead portions if any. Dip the roots in 3% hydrogen peroxide solution for about 3-5 minutes. If the leaves of the mother plant have fallen off, leave it alone. Do not attempt to clean the stem of any dried up material. Next dip the stem/leaf portion of the plant in 3% hydrogen peroxide solution for 3-5 minutes. Mount the mother plant onto a piece of cork bark with moss. Water the plant without any fertilizer for another 2 months. Cross your fingers and maybe it will produce side shoots from where the stem used to be if the roots are still strong.

[pdxmaven]

Thanks so much for your ever so helpful reply. After I remove the baby phal, what do I do about the other spike that still has 4 flowers on it, blooming and in bud? Sacrifice for "the greater good" and remove so plant has energy to recover??

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

yes

[camille1585]

I know Ross already asked, but can you post a picture? It will help see how bad off (or not so bad) the phal is, and see what can be done.

As for what to do with the keiki, I use a much simpler method than king_of_orchid_growing. I don't use the moss and mount. I let it grow, and once the keiki has a few leaves and, most importantly, 3 or more roots that are at least 1cm, I cut it the spike on each side of it and pot it up. I try to pot when a new root is starting, and give it fairly high humidity for a few weeks for it to adjust to its new way of living.
If the plant is really in bad shape, yes, you probably should cut the spike. Btw, have you had a look at the roots in the pot to see if they're good?

[pdxmaven]

whoops--forgot to ask clearly: re. the spike that has blooms and buds: do I remove the whole spike or just the blooms and buds? I would assume the latter?

[quiltergal]

I agree with Ross and Camille....a picture is worth a thousand words. It will make it much easier to diagnose your plant's issue. I'd also do as Camille recommends and leave the Keiki on the plant until it has at least 3 roots one inch or longer. Then pot it up. The other thing to keep in mind is that some Phals Keiki more than others. Many with Phal. equestris in the parentage Keiki freely and not because the plant is ailing. It's just something a perfectly health equestris does.

If you decide to cut the spike, cut it as close to the base of the plant as you can. Put the spike in a vase and it will continue blooming for many weeks.

[pdxmaven]

Thanks for all the help so far.
Will try to get you a picture.
Susan