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Help with a friend's Phalaenopsis leaf loss

Discussion in 'Orchid Species' started by Syrinth, May 4, 2012.

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  1. May 4, 2012 #1
    Syrinth

    Syrinth New Member

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    Hello, I have an acquaintance who has a phalaenopsis that is losing it's leaves and we're not sure why. The leaves have been developing yellow spots, which get slowly larger, and the leaves are floppy and wrinkled.

    I gave it a once over, and the petals of the flower have strong substance, there are seven left, and it appears that she is not overwatering.

    Only the lower leaves seem to be exhibiting this trait and she does not use fertilizer. Can anyone think of the potential cause of this?
     
  2. May 5, 2012 #2
    xmpraedicta

    xmpraedicta Prairie angraecoid nut Supporting Member

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    Several things come to mind. Have you looked at the roots? There may be none left. Is the media rotten? How long has she had this plant?
     
  3. May 5, 2012 #3
    Kitty

    Kitty AKA\Debby

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    it's crown rot from water sitting in the crown or leaf axels it doesn't affect the flowers, it is mostly fatal, sometimes if it has a strong root system it may throw out a pup. learn from this, toss the plant, and start over, next time water early in the day, don't get the leafs wet and if you do take a tissue and wick out the water.
    enjoy the journey of learning to grow orchids, you'll soon realize that the more you learn how very much more there is to learn, then you are hooked. it's a good thing!
     
  4. May 6, 2012 #4
    Syrinth

    Syrinth New Member

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    Hmmm, I've already checked about leaf rot because that was what I suspected, but she swears that water isn't getting into the leaf axles.

    I told her to check the roots before I left her but I haven't heard one way or the other. Will have to check.

    I don't think the media's rotten, but it will probably need changing soon.
     
  5. May 7, 2012 #5
    Alexey

    Alexey Well-Known Member Supporting Member

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    Syrinth, recently I have read “Beware Taiwan Yellows ” reprint in one of the Canadian orchid societies Newsletter. Tried to Google with no success “Taiwan Yellows” or “Taiwanese Yellow” – both terminologies were in publication. Anyway, what you described - can be that disease, caused by new generations of bacteria grown during uncontrolled use of antibiotics in Taiwan. Many nurseries use antibiotics to prevent Psedomonas infections. As a remedy author recommends applications of dimetyl ammonium chloride laced with urea. Be cautious: looks like Taiwan Yellows is very contagious for orchids.