Hi list,

Can't seem to make a diagnosis on this one, so I thought I'd consult the
group. I have a phal that lost some roots a while back due to rot, and
I guess as a sequla, it's also losing some leaves. I never really
noticed before, but now it has become apparent that these leaves are not
'normal'. As a leaf turns yellow, there are these rings of green that
remain, though they eventually turn yellow as well. The rings are
irregular in shape, and are about 0.75 inches in diameter. As well, the
border of the rings is raised...if you feel the leaf at that point, it's
not too much different but one can notice that the leaf is thicker; it
still feels like normal leaf tissue. Also, if you hold it up to the
light, the area does look greener...though this could just be because
it's thicker. It's been like this ever since I bought it, and I have
not noticed these rings expanding or anything, and there's no necrosis,
or exudate...etc. It is growing a new leaf right now, and this new leaf
(about 3" long now) is smooth and normal, with no such rings structure.

So, here are my queries: is this plant infected with something, causing
the rings and the leaf drop? Could the leaf drop just be due to the
loss of the roots? Why is the new growth not affected? And the most
important question, should I get a replacement plant?

Cheers,
Xi