Bottom Leaf on Phal Turning Yellow on the Side

[Torja]

Hi,

I'm a beginner in caring for phal orchids. I've managed to kill two of them. I recently bought another phal and want to make sure that I take care of it properly.

I've noticed that the bottom leaf is starting to turn yellow on the edge, and has begun to spread towards the middle of the leaf. All the other leaves look healthy and strong, and my plant continues to bloom their flowers, with new buds opening up each couple of days.

Does anyone know what is wrong with it? I keep it in a pot with moss that has a drainage hole, and it sits on a table in front of a window with northern exposure.

Any feedback or advice is appreciated, I'd love to make sure that I can keep this one! Thanks.

[tuvoc]

First of all, welcome aboard. Your phal looks pretty good, that yellow spot could be sun burn, or just the older leaf dying naturally. I wouldn't worry about it. Moss can be very tricky, especially if you're new to orchids. It's very easy to keep it too wet, causing root rot and all sorts of other problems. A re-pot in bark might not be a bad idea as soon as it stops flowering. good luck, and welcome, again.

Kim

[RosieC]

I agree with Kim. The plant looks generally healthy but you might need to take care it does not stay damp to long.

The leaf looks like it's probably just natural die back of older leaves.

[Torja]

Great - thanks so much for the feedback. You've given me some reassurance that so far it's doing okay! Much appreciated.

[Torja]

Hi - so now I've noticed that the first flower was wilting this morning, and when I came back from work it looks like it's nearly ready to fall off. The strange thing is that the other buds are still blooming.

Is my phal still okay? It does not sit by an A/C, but I did have the window open this weekend and is it possible that the cooler air caused this flower to wilt? All the others look okay so far...

Appreciate any feedback - thank you!

[OrchidSue]

Any change in growing conditions can cause Phal flowers to wilt. It could also have been in bloom for awhile and the flowers are now getting old and to the end of their blooming cycle.

Susan