Has anyone ever had this kind of problem with a phal? Healthy plant gave me a brand new leaf but it has split at the base on both sides. It appears the leaf that grew before this one was so narrow at its base when this one grew and tried to open it split. It is only connected at the center’s natural crease vIs there any way to encourage leaves at the crown to loosen or flatten to prevent this in the future?
That looks like run of the mill mechanical damage, like someone snapped it off by accident, or bumped or snagged it. In my experience, leaves push their way out of the crown and will open without any interference from us. Not restricting moisture when they are in full vegetative growth can be helpful, if only to keep them plump and sort of firm and full. But if a plant’s genetics are a little wonky because of all the hybridizing, it may just be prone to weird little quirks like this. As long as the crown itself isn’t damaged, I would expect the next leaf to grow normally, although it may look a little funny since you’ll now have 2 leaves in a row on that side, and one missing on the other. If the crown IS damaged as this bit of leaf dries up and dies off, your orchid can’t grow new leaves. BUT! I would keep caring for it normally and hope for a basel keiki.
1 like Thanks, honestly I think the weight of the leaf itself did the damage. It is on a small table in my kitchen and that particular leaf was growing straight up. I’m thinking the table must have been bumped and the weight of it caused it to snap. Had it been growing even a little to the side it would have been ok. The crown is in good shape, so hopefully it continue to put out leaves like it should. I’m ok with wonky. 😂 My kids gave me that one a year ago and the root system has quadrupled in about 14 months so it’s really hardy. It is just now starting to lose a leaf…unfortunately it is the same side that it has broken on so he will be really lopsided with 1 to 3 or even 1 to 4 when a new leaf does grow. I am wondering since it is an “open wound” should I put anything on it to prevent anything from causing more damage or rot?
1 likeSorry, just seeing this now. I would be ok on this one with no cinnamon or anything on the wound. Mostly because it’s near the crown and I wouldn’t want to mess with its growth point. You should have a *little* less chance of it getting an infection as it’s up in the air and not down near the media and excess moisture. But either way, keep us posted- I love a good come-back story. ❤️
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