QuestionI was given a Phal orchid as a gift in January. The blooms have since died. I cut them off as instructed and used a bit of cinnamon to seal the cut. Since then at least three new, very healthy leaves have grown out of this plant. However two leaves are not doing well (since about March). One is limp and shriveled on the end and the other has sunburn. They are firm and green until the last third of the leaf. The color is a reddish brown. Should I simply let the plant take care of the leaves? Remove these leaves? Cut off the damaged portion off the leaves?
I am looking forward to my new blooms in the fall and want to assure that the plant is healthy for the new spikes.
AnswerMolly, mostly, the action you take, if any, would be for aesthetic purposes. No harm can come from removal of dead tissue as long as the cuts are sealed.
Of greater concern should be the recommended practice of repotting a plant after it finishes a bloom season. This, of course, should be done using a standard orchid potting mix and a pot with good drainage. This practice promotes improved root and leaf growth for the next flowering. If you elect to repot, I can walk you through the steps that I use and recommend.