Question
Hi Jim: I received this plant as a gift in April, with grand blooms (magenta), but it appeared ill even then.  I treated it for flies, which were in evidence. The leaves are not as deep a green as my others and the leaves (large) are splitting at the ends. (not yellow either, just a lighter green and they do eventually die off) The leaves (higher up) that are not split are showing a line down the middle which determines that they soon will be too.  Since the bloom ended I have been feeding with each watering "Oxygen plus", with no change.  Please can you advise me, I'm ready to repot, but not sure it that's all that's needed.  The medium is moss and bark. (leaves are about 9 inches in length, 6 inch pot, no offensive smell)  Thank you!  Heather

Answer
Hi Heather,

While I cannot be certain, split leafs many times are caused by inadequate humidity and/or irregular watering.  Phals prefer humidity above 70% but will grow okay with it above 50%.  Low humidity for a few days is no problem but over weeks it can cause problems.  

The oxygen plus will not help the phal much without being mixed with a balance type orchid fertilizer.  You can repot now but afterwards be sure to keep it in a warm shady location for 2 to 3 weeks, then move it back to where you'd been growing it.  

Hope this helped.

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, Ca.