The Orchid Garden

question re: leaves: Phalaenopsis

Question:

Greetings….     I bought a phalaenopsis orchid about a month ago and it is blooming beautifully, however, the leaves have begin to show some sort of problem. They have turned brown in the center, moving out toward the edge.  A friend suggested it could be a fungus type problem.  Any suggestions/ideas???? Thank you for any assistance.

Response:

It could be sunburn.  Phals don’t like direct sun.  If you put your hand in front of the orchid and you can see a shadow then it is getting too much sun.  If it is a fungus my only suggestion is to sprinkle it with cinnamon and hope that the other fine folks out there in cyberspace read this and can help you out. Good luck, Sheila PS: Dear Santa, May I have a greenhouse for Christmas? *grin* – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Greetings….    I bought a phalaenopsis orchid about a month ago and it is blooming beautifully, however, the leaves have begin to show some sort of problem. They have turned brown in the center, moving out toward the edge.  A friend suggested it could be a fungus type problem.  Any suggestions/ideas???? Thank you for any assistance.

Response:

I’m not an expert by any means, but I am worried that you might have crown rot.  When you say that the leaves have turned brown in the center do you mean in the center of the plant where all the leaves emerge?  Is the brown area soft and mushy? If so you may have crown rot and you will need to take care of it immediately if you are going to save the plant.  You get crown rot if your plant is in damp or stagnant conditions and by leaving water sit in the crown area allowing the fungus to grow. I’ve heard of an fungicide called Physan or Triconsan (which has Physan in it) that you can use at 1 tsp/gal to prevent it, but I’m not sure how effective it is in treating it once you already have it. Thankfully I’ve never had crown rot on any of my Phalaenopsis, but I know it is a common problem.  Perhaps others in the newsgroup can provide you help based on their own experience (hint hint). check out http://www.tri-products.com.sg/fungi.htm for information on different fungicides. Jim H

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Greetings….     I bought a phalaenopsis orchid about a month ago and it is blooming beautifully, however, the leaves have begin to show some sort of problem. They have turned brown in the center, moving out toward the edge.  A friend suggested it could be a fungus type problem.  Any suggestions/ideas???? Thank you for any assistance.

Response:

thanks jim and sheila…..  I think the sunburn theory might be right as the leaves that are brown are the ones closest to the window.  I have since moved the plant to a different location which gets bright, but not direct sunlight.  Its tough being a newbie with these beautiful plants!   Jim, the browning is not in the crown…..its in the center part of 2 of the leaves. Sheila, if you are very, very good ALL year long, then Santa will bring you whatever you wish!  :-) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m not an expert by any means, but I am worried that you might have crown rot.  When you say that the leaves have turned brown in the center do you mean in the center of the plant where all the leaves emerge?  Is the brown area soft and mushy? If so you may have crown rot and you will need to take care of it immediately if you are going to save the plant.  You get crown rot if your plant is in damp or stagnant conditions and by leaving water sit in the crown area allowing the fungus to grow. I’ve heard of an fungicide called Physan or Triconsan (which has Physan in it) that you can use at 1 tsp/gal to prevent it, but I’m not sure how effective it is in treating it once you already have it. Thankfully I’ve never had crown rot on any of my Phalaenopsis, but I know it is a common problem.  Perhaps others in the newsgroup can provide you help based on their own experience (hint hint). check out http://www.tri-products.com.sg/fungi.htm for information on different fungicides. Jim H Greetings….     I bought a phalaenopsis orchid about a month ago and it is blooming beautifully, however, the leaves have begin to show some sort of problem. They have turned brown in the center, moving out toward the edge.  A friend suggested it could be a fungus type problem.  Any suggestions/ideas???? Thank you for any assistance.

Response:

Filed under: Phalaenopsis Orchid

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