Question
Jim,

It's been a little over a week and the older leaves have no signs of cold damage and the center does not appear to be dark in the middle.  Do you think that this means the phal will survive, even with the center leaf gone?  This plant did come from a mail order orchid company.  I sent them pictures of the new leaf when it fell out (which was dark and mushy at the point where it came out).  However, they said that the damage could be due to a number of things and that they they disagreed with me about the damage so they couldn't do anything for me.  I had ordered five plants.  Of the five, two broken spikes, one leaf completely broke off and the one new growth suffered cold damage.  Broken spikes I can deal with, even the broken leaf.  Sick plants, that's another story.  I'm just hoping this plant survives.  What do you think?  Clean center, plant should be okay?  Even if the leaves don't alternate in a regular pattern (right side leaf growth, then left side leaf growth, right, left, and left again)?

Thanks Jim!



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Followup To
Question -
Hi Jim,

I recently recieved a phal in the mail that had suffered cold damage and the newest leaf fell out two days after I took it out from the box.  I know that crown rot also causes the newest leaf/growth to fall out.  My question is, will this new plant, that suffered from cold damage survive since crown rot, which causes the same damage can kill a plant?  I know that crown rot and cold damage are not the same, but since the center leaf (newest growth) is affected  I'm uncertain if the end result (gradual death of the plant) is the same.

Thanks for your time and answer.
Answer -
Hi Skylar,

If the topmost new leaf suffered cold damage, it does not sound good for its survival.  I would be surprised if you do not see cold damage affecting the remaining older leafs, they are not quite as sensitive to cold but they may show some symptoms in several more weeks.  Is the crown dark inside?  If it is that would indicate definite crown damage.

Did you order the phal from a mail-order orchid company?  If you did, you can try contacting them and inform them what happened.  If they are a reputable company and has good customer service, they may send you a replacement phal.  If they do, ask them to send it in a cold pack.  Cold pack is an insulated box with a small heat source that is good for 3 to 5 days, that will help minimize any cold damage in shipping.  Also, ask them to send it on Monday or Tuesday with 3-day delivery so it won't sit in a cold shipping warehouse over a weekend.

If it was from a friend, you can tell them what happened.  I'm sure they'll understand it wasn't any thing you did.  

Many orchid nurseries will not ship orchids in winter, especially to very cold climate destinations.  If they do, they normally use the cold pack packaging and charge a little more for it.  

Sorry to hear about the phal.  Don't throw it away just yet, it may survive.  If you are lucky, it may grow a new leaf from the crown or grow an offset or baby plantlet from the side of the remaining growth.  But, if the remaining leaves all fall off, there is not much hope I'm afraid.  

Hope this helps.  Good luck!  

Jim  

Answer
Hi Skylar,

The center of the crown not being black could be a good indication it may survive.  I hope it does!  But, I am still somewhat concerned because you said the base of the leaf that had been inside the crown was black and mushy which usually is an indication of some possible fungus problem.  Try dipping a Q-tip in the crown to see if some black stuff comes out with it.  If it does, it may be fungus residue or it just might be dirt.  I'd suspect fungus rather than dirt.  

Wow!  That is a LOT of damage in shipping!  If I got a shipment in that condition I would be MAD!!!  That shows that the plants were not properly packaged, being allowed to be tossed about inside the box.  When I've sent plants to friends, I make sure they can't budge an inch by packing stuff all around them.  

Just keep a wary eye on that phal for any signs of further damage.  In particular, keep checking the bases of the remaining leafs for any black fungus growth.  If you catch it early enough it is possible to remove it before it causes permanent damage.  Use a Q-tip dipped in isopropyl alcohol to wipe it.  

Also, try to water in the morning hours to allow sufficient time for any water droplets to evaporate by nightfall.  Moisture allowed to remain on them is an invitation for fungus growth.  Lastly, if all goes well, in about 3-4 years you won't notice the missing leaf as new leafs will grow and the phal will grow taller.  As it does grow taller, the bottom leaf will die and fall off leaving a naked trunk.  When you repot it, position the bottom leaf to be just above the potting media.

Hope this helps.  Good luck!

Jim