What to do if the leaves of the Phalaenopsis orchid become soft and wilted
In-depth explanation for netizens concerned about how to deal with the soft and wilted leaves of the Phalaenopsis orchid in terms of plant knowledge. Let's understand this together next.
What to do if the leaves of the Phalaenopsis orchid become soft and wilted
The Phalaenopsis orchid is quite famous in the floral world and is known as the "Queen of Foreign Orchids," widely welcomed by people. There are many reasons why its leaves become soft and wilted during cultivation, including excessive water, insufficient light, low temperature, excessive fertilization, and pest infestations. It is necessary to control water intake, increase light exposure, raise temperature, fertilize appropriately, and eliminate pests according to the situation to ensure the vigorous growth of the plant.
If you find the leaves of the Phalaenopsis orchid becoming soft and wilted during cultivation, don't panic. First, observe the moisture level of the potting soil. If it is due to excessive watering and waterlogging, immediately排水 (drain) the water and then place the plant in a shady and well-ventilated environment to dry. Reduce the amount of watering afterward. If the situation is too severe, to prevent root rot, it is best to change to a drier soil.
The Phalaenopsis orchid prefers a semi-shaded growing environment. It is best to place it in an environment with scattered light for growth. Long-term exposure to excessively shaded areas can lead to the inability to carry out photosynthesis properly, making it difficult to accumulate nutrients, resulting in soft and wilted leaves. In this case, it is best to move the plant to a place with scattered light to supplement sunlight, and after gradually adapting, it can be moved outdoors in weak light to ensure smooth growth.
If the leaves of the Phalaenopsis orchid become soft and wilted during the winter when the temperature drops, it is mostly due to unsuitable temperatures and frostbite. If the leaves feel soft, strictly control the surrounding temperature between 18°C and 28°C. Potted plants can be moved indoors for care, and if conditions allow, use a heater to increase the temperature to ensure the plant survives the winter.
As a flowering plant, the Phalaenopsis orchid has high requirements for fertilizer. However, be careful not to apply raw or concentrated fertilizer during the growing period, as this can cause fertilizer damage, burn the plant, and lead to soft leaves. If excessive fertilization occurs, immediately dilute with a large amount of water and place the plant in a shady and well-ventilated area to recover. After the plant recovers, fertilize appropriately again.
Common pests such as red spiders and scale insects can also cause plant leaves to wilt. We should promptly open windows for ventilation or move the plant to a well-ventilated area. If there are few pests, they can be wiped off with a cloth. If there are many, purchase solutions like dichlorvos or dimethoate on the market for spraying and eradication.
The detailed explanation shared above on what to do if the leaves of the Phalaenopsis orchid become soft and wilted is for reference and suggestion only.