Question
QUESTION: Hello,

I have a phalenopsis orchid that is in spike, and I noticed that the top leaf was turning yellow.  Upon closer inspection i noticed that it was cut halfway through the leaf almost at the base. I'm guessing I must have broke it somehow during watering or moving around.  Is there anything I can do so that my plant doesn't slowly die on me?  Other than this newly cut leaf, the plant was doing fine.  

Thank You,

-grace

ANSWER: Hello Grace,

Can you take a closer look at the leaf to see if it really is broken or if there may be another reason it is turning yellow?  Hopefully it is just a break and not what I fear may be the cause which would be a fungus growth that appears to look like a black sooty area or spot.  If there is a black sooty looking area at the base of the leaf, try removing as much of it as you can then treat the area with powdered cinnamon (yes, the type used for baking) to hopefully arrest the growth and damage being caused by the fungus.  After treating it, keep an eye on it to make sure the fungal damage does not spread to other leafs and get worse.  

As I said, I hope it is a break and not what I fear happened.  

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, Ca.



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Jim,

Thanks for your response.  I don't see anything black or sooty around the base of the leaf.  I think it may have just been broken, but I think the top leaf is almost completely broken off.  Will it still be okay without the top leaf?

Thanks,
-grace

Answer
Hi Grace,

What a relief!  

It should be okay with a broken leaf, even if it were to fall off.  The main concern would be any new leaf that were to emerge from the top or crown of the phalaenopsis.  The broken leaf should not prevent a new leaf from growing.  Speaking of new leafs, they should eventually grow to be as large or larger than the previous leafs, if they do not that could be an indication of something that needs your attention.  It may take 3 to 4 months from the time a new leaf starts to grow until it reaches maturity.  

Hope this helped.  

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, Ca.