Sick phalaenopsis!

[cabo2847]

Hi! I've had this phalaenopsis orchid for about a year now and it's rebloomed twice since I've had it, but within the past couple months it's taken a turn for the worse. The leaves are quite thin. One of the bottom leaves got small white spots on it and turned yellow around the edges of the leaf. The spots are in the leaf rather than on it, so I don't think it's some kind of pest. Now another leaf is doing the same thing and it looks like another is about to as well. I tried to google the problem but haven't seen any images that match what I'm seeing on my phal. I repotted it and the roots still look pretty healthy (I cut off the few that were dead). Anybody know what's going on with my orchid?

[jkofferdahl]

The leaf in your picture loos like a leaf that is simply dying, which isn't at all abnormal for a Phal. They tend to lose a leaf when they grow a new one. However, that the plant is shedding multiple leaves may indicate issues. Often when a Pahl sheds multiple leaves it's due to underwatering; the plant drops the leaves to conserve water. So examine your watering routine. It's a good idea that you've repotted.

[cabo2847]

Thank you! I hope that's the case. I guess I just thought it was strange because I have 3 other phalaenopsis orchids and when they've lost leaves they've looked pretty different than this. They usually just turn completely yellow. Also these leaves are really thin. Not just the leaf in the picture, but the ones that are still green as well. They also used to be thicker. Does this still sound like an underwatering symptom?

[jkofferdahl]

I think it does. Watch the plant, and carefully monitor when the pot is dry. Rewater when dry, but not after waiting for a day or two. A lack of water can cause Phal leaves to thin before they yellow.

[cabo2847]

Thanks! I'll try that and hopefully it'll return to its former glory 😊 I'm relieved that you don't think it's something more serious

[dounoharm]

I have become very fond of the net pots that are used in hydroponics....and I tuck those inside a cache pot with corks on the bottom when I put them in a room for show...love those net pots!