Phal growing deformed small leaves.

[KatyaB]

I have had this phal since Sept '09. It was my first orchid so I nearly killed it by overwatering. All but one of the roots rotted and all but one of the leaves lived. I got it repotted and learned to take care of it better. It started to grow four new small roots in about Jan or Feb. Then a leaf started to grow. It grew only about an 1.5 inches and stopped. Now there is a third leaf but once again, it grew only about 1.5 inches and stopped. Why is that? Is it because there are very few roots?

[RosieC]

I think it could be the lack of roots. I find that when a phal is lacking in roots it's new leaves can be both thinner and smaller than previous ones.

I think if it's growing roots and leaves I wouldn't worry if they are small, hopfully as the roots recover the new leaves will start coming out larger again, that's what seems to have happened with mine.

[WhiteRabbit]

hmmm ...

I don't really know - but combined with your Oncidium question - I wonder if they are related, and maybe there is a cultural issue ?

How much light do these plants get? What are the temps?

[KatyaB]

The temperature is usually around 70-75. Both the phal and oncidium are in the bedroom on the dresser that's about four feet high. I live in an apartment with only south facing windows. It seems pretty bright in the room usually. I have a wilsonara in the same room with an actively growing new bulb though....

[Izzie]

They most likely are not getting enough light if they are more than a foot or so from the window. The intensity of sunlight drops significantly the farther from the window you get.

[WhiteRabbit]

Could be - this time of year a south facing window - especially if the plants are not right up to the window, may not get enough light - tho as we move towards autumn, the sun will be moving south, and the light intensity in a south window will increase. I think for summer, the plants can definitely be closer to the window, and then as winter approaches, they probably need to be moved further back.

I have a roof overhang over all my windows, so that is a factor, tho it's maybe a foot, or a bit more. I currently have 'low light' orchids right on the window sill in the south facing window. In winter, I have the 'higher light' orchids in that window lol.

[cneos]

Light may be a factor but so may be the lack of roots. Seems like your plant is responding to repotting and is just getting back on its feet.

Some phal growers say that an indication of healthy and robust plants is that each new sucessive leaf is slightly larger than the preceding one.

I think you're on the right track ... try a bit more light (without burning the plant) and be patient.

[KatyaB]

Thank you for all your suggestions. I try to give the orchids more light and protect them from my orchid destroying kitten also. So they can't always be at the window. I watered them this morning and they are currently all outside. Its about 77 and high humidity. They are in indirect sunlight. I also have a question about my wilsonara's oldest psuedobulb rotting. I will have to post some pictures and explain more when I get a chance. Thanks again. I'm so glad I joined this forum. I want my small orchid collection to be happy.

[camille1585]

I also think that the small leaves are due to the lack of roots. I rescued a phal once that had bad root rot, and obly had a few small good roots. The new leaves came out exactly like yours. I think that a phal with poor roots will not grow leaves any larger than what that meager roots can support. On my phal, as the root system recovered, the leaves slowly got larger. As long as each new leaf is coming out larger than the last, the plant is on the road to recovery.

[RJSquirrel]

I would just pot up the cat and put the plant in the window