Removing old leaves

[Alex]

A quick and possibly trivial question, please. I have a few Paphs where the brown, senescent basal leaf is clinging on and won't easily pull away, so I have left it in situ. I see that some of these leaves are now developing a white mould, as you might expect dead tissue to do. My question is, will this (presumably saprophytic) mould harm the living parts of the plant? And are there any tricks to getting rid of these dead basal leaves, other than pulling *really* hard?

Thank you,

Alex

 

[gonewild]

A quick and possibly trivial question, please. I have a few Paphs where the brown, senescent basal leaf is clinging on and won't easily pull away, so I have left it in situ. I see that some of these leaves are now developing a white mould, as you might expect dead tissue to do. My question is, will this (presumably saprophytic) mould harm the living parts of the plant? And are there any tricks to getting rid of these dead basal leaves, other than pulling *really* hard?

Thank you,

Alex

Cut the leaf close to it's base next to the stem. Leave the stubs to fall off naturally.
Or if the plant is in a good strong condition pulling off the old leaf won't hurt anything if you know how to pull correctly.

Best to remove the old dead leaf if it is growing fungi.

 

[NYEric]

No, pull hard.

 

[Alex]

Thanks Lance and Eric. Sometimes I've pulled so hard I'm in danger of damaging the plant (small plants, big ones can handle much more pulling!) but it still won't budge...

 

[gonewild]

Thanks Lance and Eric. Sometimes I've pulled so hard I'm in danger of damaging the plant (small plants, big ones can handle much more pulling!) but it still won't budge...

You have to learn the correct technique by trial and error.
If the leaf does not come off easy.... pull sideways with steady pressure until on side comes loose then the other side often comes off easy as well. making a small tear of the far side will help to get it started.

Another method is to grasp the stem opposite to where the leaf is attached between your thumb and finger to hold it firmly. Then with your other hand grab the leaf and give it a sudden sharp snap/pull...it probably will pop loose... but oops sometimes extra things pop loose.

And another method.... split the leaf lengthwise down the middle and then each half will come off the base easier.

 

[Justin]

you are going to damage your plants if you pull too hard on that. you can "peel" it off sideways like lance mentioned but definitely dont' force anything. remember to wash your hands/use sterile tools when you do anything like this.

i just cut dead leaves close to the trunk and then wait till the leaf is dried up to remove the remained when it won't break the plant. Or the next time i repot i pull off the dead part now that it is all dried up. the white stuff won't harm your plant so i wouldn't worry about that.

 

[mormodes]

I'll split/tear the leaf in half along the midrib and tear off one side and then the other.

 

[Ozpaph]

You have to learn the correct technique by trial and error.

And another method.... split the leaf lengthwise down the middle and then each half will come off the base easier.

This is what I do - always works

 

[Alex]

Thank you very much, everybody. I will give the splitting idea a try. Even if there are no health consequences, I'd rather not look at the brown leaf stumps if there's a way round...

Cheers,

Alex

 

[Stone]

I think you may damage the base of the plant by pulling off if not ready. This may lead to future infection. I just leave them until they come off on their own or if you need to show it, cut short

 

[abax]

Torched pruners work quite well. I don't allow any yellow
leaves on any of my plants.

 

[Bjorn]

Just cut it short (leave one inch or so). After some time you may remove the remains if necessary.

 

[Justin]

in nature there is nobody to pull the leaves off

 

[gonewild]

in nature there is nobody to pull the leaves off

In nature things eat the leaves before they get old.

 

[NYEric]

I stopped cutting off leaves when I realized that that is a good way to allow pathogens to infect plants.

 

[gonewild]

I stopped cutting off leaves when I realized that that is a good way to allow pathogens to infect plants.

Cutting of dried leaves wont let pathogens in.

 

[abax]

Nicely hot needle nose pruners seal the cut.

 

[Justin]

Nicely hot needle nose pruners seal the cut.

scissors and propane torch plus if the leaf material is already brown there is nothing being passed into to the rest of the plant.

 

[abax]

Ah, another grower with a propane torch. How does anyone get along without one???? I go through a LOT
of pruners torching. Dulls the hell outta the blades.

 

[Alex]

Thank you everybody - I didn't realise I'd start such a lively discussion. I also wouldn't think that there is any need to sterilise anything if cutting through a dead, shrivelled leaf.

Cheers,

Alex