Phalaenopsis Leaf Melt: Bacterial Infection Spreads Fast

White Phalaenopsis bought 2 weeks ago (no flowers, 6 firm leaves, baby leaf emerging). Sudden watery dime-sized spot, spreads rapidly—half leaf dark green mush next day. Cut leaf, cinnamon on cut. Now baby leaf soft with watery spots. Hot, humid Taiwan. Used 10-30-20 fertilizer, watered thoroughly Sunday.

Bacterial Infection—Likely Fatal

Rapid leaf melt spreading to new growth = systemic bacterial infection. Overwatering didn't cause this. Cutting may have splashed infected sap onto baby leaf.

Hygiene Critical

Wash hands thoroughly after handling diseased tissue before touching other plants.

Prognosis Poor

Once infection moves beyond one leaf into crown, saving the plant is unlikely.