Phal spike turning black - help!
 

I ordered a phal online and it had 2 healthy spikes upon arrival with buds beginning to develop. After a couple days I noticed all the buds had turned black on one of the spikes, which I assumed was due to stress from shipping. I then noticed the tip of the spike had turned black and was spreading down the spike, so I cut the spike just above the next node. Today I noticed the spike turning black once more where I cut it. :(

I'm assuming I'll need to cut this spike off completely.. will this solve the issue? I'm also wondering what could've caused this?

Also, the other spike which still appears healthy has ceased all growth.. could this be related?

Please let me know if a photo would be helpful, I can grab one once I'm back home.

I would remove the entire spike and treat the cut with Isopropyl alcohol.

This can happen with a fungus/bacterial infection or a hot sunny window (or cold temperatures in the forties 'F or below). It is difficult to tell without knowing more. If you suspect the first, keep this orchid away from other plants as it can spread.

Has the orchid been exposed to heat/strong light? What light is it getting now?

Was it packed well for the trip or could the spike have gotten bruised?

Here is a good website to help you diagnose any diseases:

https://staugorchidsociety.org/PDF/O...ySueBottom.pdf

Thank you for the link, I'm saving this for future use!

I've had it in a room with a large south-facing window with a sheer curtain. It does get very sunny in here but all my other orchids seem to love it and I haven't had issues with it before.

It was packaged very well. I didn't see any kind of damage or trauma to the plants/packaging. The other 3 orchids I bought with this one seem happy :biggrin: At first I thought it just had bud blast from the stress of shipping until I noticed it was spreading down the spike

I suspect it might be some kind of infection, either way I'm going to separate it from my other plants to be safe.

Phals. are full shade plants. They don't like bright light and never need sunshine on their leaves. Consider moving it from the window to a spot where even without the curtain it would not get sunshine.