Problem with leaves - Orchid Board

KittyKat · #1 06-05-2006, 08:13 AM

One of my phalaenopsis has recently had all it's leaves fall off. At the time it was flowering and on a north facing windowsill next to another phalaenopsis which was fine.

It has been a few weeks now and it's now on a south facing window sill, still flowering, still in a clear pot with the roots getting plenty of sunlight but just without the leaves.

It did not look like the leaves had rotted... they just went wrinkly, then fell off.

Any idea as to what's happened to it? Will it grow leaves again?

Heather · #2 06-05-2006, 05:47 PM

Huh...not a great sign, I'm afraid.
I would unpot it and check and see if there are any roots left.

I don't really grow phals, but if ALL the leaves have fallen off, you've lost the primary way for the plant to absorb nutrients and light.

Hopefully someone with more Phal. experience will also respond!

bwester · #3 06-05-2006, 07:21 PM

Is it potted in sphagnum moss? Its most likely over or under watering. Plus, a northern exposure is rarely enough light for any orchid, except aeranthes.

Gin · #4 06-05-2006, 11:13 PM

It might over time make a basal keiki a little plant that comes up from the base of the old one , sometimes they do other times not . I would also suspect root rot . With no leaves it is not promising .. sorry for the trouble . Gin

KittyKat · #5 06-06-2006, 08:17 AM

Actually it's been more like two-three months now since it's lost the leaves (didn't realise it's been tht long!)

There are LOTs of roots and all are nice, green and healthy (i repotted it about 2 weeks ago)

I think it's in bark(?) compost and has been all it's life... i remember that the bag said "compost for orchids" which i know isn't helpful but at least i hope it was a suitable compost!

I have had most of my phalaenopsis on a north facing windowsill over the winter because one of the north facing rooms is the warmest in the house (the temp in most others drops to 15C at night)

Gin: hopefully... how long does that usually take?

All my orchids get a bit of water 2-3 times a week... all the otehrs were getting the same amount as this one and they are in the same compost... yet there's notheing wrong with them...

Thank you for the help everyone