Angcm Veitchii--main growth die back???

So, over the years I've had a couple of mature plants that start dropping leaves like mad from the original/mother growth. The basal keikis continue to grow and don't have the problem. In fact, if/when the mother plant has died back, the keikis just continue on and eventually you have a bush.

Case in point, here is an Angcm Veitchii. The plant has two large keikis--both have bloomed. The mother plant looked fine 3 weeks ago, but since then has lost nearly a dozen leaves.


This plant is sitting with a bunch of other big angraecums, and they are all just fine. I should probably know the answer to this -- but is it normal for the mother plant to die back. (And quickly?) Or is this some disease that I should wipe out immediately? Thoughts?

 

Hi Jacob. My thoughts exactly. I'm already trying all the usual preventative measures. I have done the Physan, probably going to do the Phyton. The plants roots are looking good, so it isn't a problem from that standpoint. Just wondered if anyone else had seen this. I'll keep you posted.

 

Yea, I watch the water too. Especially when they are big plants in big pots. They stay wet much longer than you'd think.

 

Could be Brian -- I'll try keeping it extra dry. I did just re-org the greenhouse and it is a bit closer to one of the hydrofoggers. I'm generally pretty careful, but you never know. It is a good suggestion and I appreciate it.

Thanks Jacob. That is a compliment coming from you. So far after treating the plant with the Physan a day or so before I posted and Phyton a couple of days ago, the plant hasn't lost any more leaves. One of the things I like most about orchids -- and which simultaneously frustrates me to no end -- is that no matter how much you learn or how long you grow, there is always something you haven't figured out yet.