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Orchid leaves can tell you quite a bit about the plant’s health.
Droopy leaves are an early sign you’re gonna wanna investigate and take action.
Overwatering
Inspect roots to check for overwatering.
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Healthy roots are green or silvery green and plump.
Soft, dark colored roots can’t take up nutrients to feed leaves which causes wilting.
When the pot is sitting in water, or feels heavier than normal, the orchid is likely oversaturated.
Prune out damaged roots.
Underwatering
Inspecting roots can also tell you when the plant is too dry.
Dark colored roots that are shriveled, brittle and flat indicate a lack of moisture.
Soak the pot in water for 10 to 15 minutes to saturate the roots.
Prune damaged roots back to healthy tissue and soak more frequentlysome orchids need water two to three times weekly.
Watering Improperly
Effective orchid watering drenches the potting mixture enough to remain moist for several days.
At the same time, excess water should drain away, so plant in a pot with good drainage.
you’ve got the option to also soak the pot for several minutes.
Wateraerial rootsbut avoid wetting the crown, leaves, and stems.
Room temperature water is best.
If your tap water is heavily treated, try using distilled or rainwater.
The challenge is finding the right balance because these potting mixes dry out fairly quickly.
Temperature extremes and wide fluctuations can cause leaves to droop.
Open spaces with fans improve circulation.
If humidity is low, try setting the pot on a layer of moistened gravel or install a humidifier.
Too Much Light
Different orchids have differentlight requirementsbut almost all thrive best with indirect light.
Let affected leaves mature and fall naturally instead of cutting out damaged parts.
Move the plant to a location with indirect light.
Inadequate Light
Inadequate light levels and length of exposure slow photosynthesis and growth.
Leaves become chlorotic and yellow.
Leaves that are entirely yellow can be removed, but a leaf that’s only slightly faded can recover.
Move the orchid to a new spot that better meets its light requirement or adda grow light.
Nutrition
Orchids need energy to produce theirspectacular blooms.
Potting mixes don’t provide much nutrition so fertilizing is an important part of maintenance.
Nutrient deficiencies result in fewer blooms, smaller plants, and weak leaves.
Increase feeding frequency with fertilizer specifically for orchids or a balanced houseplant fertilizer diluted from 1/4 to 1/2 strength.
How often you should fertilize, from weekly to monthly, depends on species and variety.
Always water before fertilizing.
Insect Pests
Sap sucking insectscause leaves to wilt.
Chlorotic spots are a sign this could be the problem.
Eventually leaves darken, wilt and drop.
Check regularly for pests.
Look for cottony webbing and discoloration on the undersides of leaves and the junction of leaves and stems.
Isolate the plant andtreat with horticultural oilor a mild soap solution.
If it’s beyond help, remove it entirely instead of cutting out just the damaged portion.
Overwatered orchid leaves look wrinkled with prominent veins and feel soft and floppy.
They often have a yellowish hue or appear faded.
