New Phalaenopsis in Distress: Yellow Leaves, Squishy Bruise, and Pot Drainage Issues

Question:

Dear Jim,

I'm in Mountain View—my husband gave me a Phalaenopsis from a florist near Santana Row two weeks ago. Buds are gorgeous and blooming, but the four leaves aren't doing well: smallest yellowing/withering, another drooping, one has a big white gash with yellow around it, largest has a big squishy bruise. Care tag said water from bottom, but today it looked dry so I unpotted it—the inner plastic pot is too short to reach water in the decorative pot. I've never had an orchid and really want to keep this alive. Advice?

Answer:

Hello Tori,

Nice husband! Santana Row stores are too rich for me! (grin)

Given the multiple issues, some problems likely existed at purchase. My advice: take it back to the florist with the receipt. Most reputable shops replace defective plants within a short window.

Main concern: the squishy bruise could be bacterial/fungal infection—both can kill the orchid. Droopy leaves have multiple causes (some from you, some from the grower). The white gash sounds like mechanical damage. If the smallest leaf is the bottom one, it's likely natural aging; if it's the topmost, that's concerning—could be crown rot from water sitting overnight.

Many shops use decorative ceramic pots without drainage—these limit airflow, an orchid's worst nightmare!

If they won't replace it, write back and I'll try to help save it, but it may still die regardless.

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, CA