What are the reasons why orchid leaves are thin and soft?
As a representative of elegant flowers, the straightness of orchid leaves directly affects the overall ornamental value. When orchid leaves are found to become thinner and soft, it often indicates damage to the root system or improper maintenance. This article will systematically analyze the five common inducements and provide operable rejuvenation plans. 1. Physiological leaf aging phenomenon 1.1 Natural metabolism laws Orchid plants more than three years old will complete metabolism through leaf iteration, and the old basal leaves will show a gradual yellowing and softening from top to bottom. This process is mostly accompanied by the germination of new leaves and is a normal physiological phenomenon. 1.2 Scientific treatment recommends retaining old leaves until they fall off naturally to avoid wound infection caused by forced pruning. It can be combined with spraying potassium dihydrogen phosphate solution (diluted 1500 times) to promote the development of the cuticle of new leaves. 2. Imbalance of water management 2.1 Identification of dehydration symptoms When the surface of the plant material is white and the root system is dry and gray, it indicates that the orchid is in a state of water shortage. Long-term drought can cause leaf cells to lose water, leading to longitudinal folds and curled edges. 2.2 The first watering of the stepped water replenishment plan should be completed in three times: after the first thorough watering, re-watering at an interval of 10 minutes, and after the drainage hole discharges water, use the dipping basin method to maintain it for 20 minutes. Subsequently, keep the humidity of the plant material at 40%-60%, and the air humidity ≥65%. 3. Mistakes in lighting control 3.1 The amount of light required by different orchid species differs significantly in light environment requirements: spring orchid requires 8,000 - 12,000 lux, and orchid withstands 20000lux strong light. Long-term levels below 3000lux will cause excessive leaves to grow and thin. 3.2 The progressive filling light strategy uses sunshade nets to adjust the light intensity, and the shade varieties adopt the "three-hour morning light + shade" mode. It is recommended to choose a full-spectrum LED for the fill light, and the daily exposure duration shall not exceed 8 hours. 4. Root health diagnosis 4.1 Early warning signal for rotten roots When leaves continue to weaken and new buds stop growing, the root system needs to be checked immediately. Healthy roots should be milky white with crystal heads, and black rotten roots should be trimmed in time. 4.2 Root restoration process After disinfection scissors remove rotten roots, soak them in carbendazim solution for 30 minutes. Wrap the new roots-promoting roots with water moss, wait until the crystal heads grow, and then transplant them to mixed planting material (bark: perlite: charcoal =5:3:2). 5. Nutrient supply plan 5.1 Element deficiency shows that leaf tips are scorched when potassium is deficient, and new leaves are curled when calcium is deficient. It is recommended to apply special slow-release fertilizer for orchids every month, combined with foliar spraying of medium and trace elements. 5.2 Fertilization golden ratio students use N-P-K=20-20-20 for a long time, and adjust to a high-phosphorus formula of 3-12-6 before flowering. Pay attention to applying thin fertilizer frequently, and the concentration does not exceed 0.1%.
By systematically checking key factors such as light, moisture, and nutrition, combined with scientific rejuvenation measures, 90% of thin and soft leaf problems can be improved within 2 months. It is recommended to establish a maintenance log to record temperature and humidity changes and fertilization cycles, and gradually master the growth code of orchids.