Question
Hello Jim,
I just got a miniature phal at an orchid show, it is blooming and the newest leave is istill growing, I made the mistake to put it with my 2 year old phal that is doing great! on the windowsill (south facing window, sunlight all morning)and after 2 days my new plant has a brown sport on the tip of one leave and the baby leave is tender and wrinkled. I beleive it was too much of a change for it in terms of light. I already moved it away from the intense light. My question is the brown spot is only teh tip of the leave, should I leave like that? I am afraid to cut it off and wellcome some fungus. My other question is about the newest leave will it recover and become less wrinkled and continue to grow, or is it too late?
Thank you for your help.
Veronica

Answer
Hello Veronica,

If the brown area on the leaf is due to too much sun, it may be sunburn damage and, unfortunately, is now a permanent feature of the leaf.  As long as the damage is on the top surface, I would suggest leaving it alone.  But if it goes all the way through the leaf, you have the choice of leaving it or cutting it off.  By the way, you can sprinkle plain powdered cinnamon on the cut as it has some anti- bacteria and fungus properties.  

Unfortunately, damaged leaves rarely recover once the damage is done.  But, as the new leaf continues to grow larger the newer growth may be normal.  

You've learned an important lesson, namely that too sudden a change in sun exposure can cause damage.  It is always best to slowly acclimate any plant over several weeks by moving it from shade towards higher light and watching for any possible damage.  

Hope this has helped.  Good luck and good growing.

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, Ca.