Orchid growers may find it difficult to grow orchids but they are not impossible to do so. However, moderate maintenance is necessary for them to stay healthy. Losing leaves may not be a good sign, but it does not mean that the orchid is dead. If detect that your orchid is losing leaves, you should look into what causes it and do something to correct it. Orchids may for some time live without its leaves but they will grow slower compared to having leaves. Like any other plant, the leaves of an orchid play an important role in the photosynthesis process.
When orchids produce new growth, leaves start to fall off. Some may even lose a few leaves after blooming. You will know that it is time do some treatment when the amount leaf loss is significant, or when new leaves start to fall off. Therefore, before you start the treatment, the first thing to do is to identify any possible reasons or causes of dropping leaves.
Improper watering
You will know that your orchid is not receiving enough water when its leaves turn yellow and are flopping. Since there are different types of orchids, they also have different water requirements. As a most common to orchid growers, water only when the growing medium is dry. Pour water until the water passes through the drainage hole.
Improper fertilization/Shortage of Potassium
Potassium shortage or improper fertilization may also be a sign of dropping. Nourish orchids frequently using a granular or a fertilizer that is specifically formulated for orchids. Avoid putting fertilizer when the soil is dry and always water the orchid first. Be sure to dilute solution that has strong components as this may cause over-feeding which will then produce a weak plant and may blacken the roots. Always remember that less is much.
Fungus
Fungal infection or bacteria are another cause that an orchid is losing leaves. This disease begins to show as a spot on leaves and often turn to yellow spots. When it reaches its later stage, the orchid leaves start to fall off and rot will develop on the entire plant. Keep in mind to check your orchids carefully when you buy them to make sure that your orchid is disease-free. For severe cases, remove or cut off the infected area of the orchid plant.
Yellow Leaves
If the leaves on your orchid are yellow, it is a sign that there is something wrong with your plant. Several factors that can cause the leaves of orchid to turn yellow includes exposure to direct sunlight, low temperatures, and rotten rot.
Once you detect the discoloration of your orchid leaves, it is time to look into the problem of the plant. Discovering a yellow leaf is not something to get worried. Remember, that is natural for plants to shed the old leaf so that it can produce a new leaf. The orchid plant may be sick if it sheds a substantial amount of leaves.
So, what are the reasons for orchids leaves to turn yellow? Below, are that most common causes;
- Exposure to the direct sunlight may be a reason for falling leaves. Orchid leaves turn yellow and sometimes they get burned due to overexposure of direct sunlight. To avoid this from happening, remove your orchid and place it somewhere where it receives adequate indirect sunlight.
- Low temperatures may also be a cause for orchid leaves to turn yellow in color. Especially during the winter season when to temperature is freezing, take your orchids inside to avoid it from getting too much moisture. Make sure the room temperature where your orchid is are between 65 to 80 Fahrenheit during the daytime and 60 to 70 Fahrenheit during nighttime.
- Overwatering can lead to rotten roots, which as a result, cause its leaves to turn yellow. Water the plant only when the top of the potting medium is dry and the roots are white. Make sure to put enough holes in the pot to allow proper drainage. If your orchid is suffering from the rotten root but you notice that your plant still has some green roots, then, trim only the rotted roots and repot the plant in new potting media. Instead of watering, try to spray water for the first week.
Overwatering is one of the most common problems and one of the most serious problems for orchid growers. To avoid this from happening, it is recommended to try the ice cube method. Instead of regular watering, place three ice cubes once a week on the pot so that the roots will soak up water gradually.
Orchid Leaves also get wrinkled. If your orchid has wrinkled leaves, it could either be due to underwatering or overwatering. A type of orchid that does not have pseudobulbs – water and food storage organ of an orchid- is the moth orchids. If orchids do not have pseudobulbs, they must never get dry. If the moth orchids are left dry, their leaves will get wrinkled and this may be a sign that your orchid is dehydrated. If this happens, soak the entire pot with water for a few hours and longer for a severely dehydrated orchid. Keep in mind that normally, orchids must not be soaked in water for a longer period unless they are getting treated for dehydration.
There are many ways to do when taking care of orchid. Once you understand how to take care of them properly, you will realize that they are easy to take care.