What's wrong with the peony hanging orchid leaves becoming soft
The peony hanging orchid is loved by flower enthusiasts for its brilliant flowers and hanging branches and leaves. However, when the leaves become soft and droop, it often leaves people at a loss. This article will systematically analyze the causes of soft leaves and rescue plans from environmental regulation to daily maintenance.
The four main reasons for the wilting of peony hanging orchid leaves
1. Leaf tissue damage from strong sunlight
This sun-loving plant needs 3-4 hours of scattered light daily, but when the UV index exceeds 5 at noon in summer, the leaf stomata will close for self-protection. Continuous exposure for more than 3 days can lead to dehydration of leaf flesh cells, resulting in a development process from yellow spots to curling edges to soft drooping.
2. Root suffocation causing rot
When the soil moisture content exceeds 60%, the breathing of the peony hanging orchid's fleshy roots is hindered. After积水 for 3-5 days, the root hair area begins to show transparent rotting, at which time the plant's absorption function decreases, and new leaves become soft first. Soil moisture can be tested using the bamboo stake method.
3. Insufficient energy due to lack of fertilizer
During the growing period, a compound fertilizer (NPK 10-10-10) should be supplemented every 2 weeks. Plants that have not been repotted for a long time are prone to substrate compaction, reducing fertilizer absorption, which manifests as old leaves turning yellow and soft from the tip.
4. Normal phenomenon of natural metabolism
The natural renewal of the bottom 3-5 old leaves every year is a normal physiological phenomenon, usually accompanied by the germination of new buds. If more than 5 leaves fall in a single day or new leaves also become soft, it is necessary to be alert to diseases.
Three-step emergency treatment and daily maintenance plan
Emergency treatment process
Check immediately upon discovering soft leaves: ① Gently lift the plant to observe the roots (healthy roots are milky white); ② Measure the moisture content of the potting soil; ③ Check the back of the leaves for red spiders. If rotting roots are found, they should be trimmed and disinfected, soaked in 800 times the solution of carbendazim for 20 minutes, and then repotted with new soil.
Light regulation techniques
In spring and autumn, full-day sunshine maintenance can be used, while in summer, it is recommended to use a shading net (40% light transmission). When the temperature exceeds 32°C, it should be moved to the east-facing windowsill from 10 am to 3 pm, maintaining a light intensity of 5000-8000Lux.
Scientific water and fertilizer management
Use the "soaking pot" method to water, and replenish water when the weight of the ceramic pot is reduced by 1/3. During the growing season, foliar fertilization with potassium dihydrogen phosphate (1500 times solution) can thicken the leaves by 30%. Fertilization and watering should be stopped during the winter dormancy period, keeping the substrate slightly moist.
By regularly turning the pot, reasonable pruning, and pest and disease prevention, the peony hanging orchid can maintain sturdy leaves. It is recommended to replace the special nutrient soil (peat: perlite: vermiculite = 4:1:1) every 2 years and use a new pot 3 cm larger in diameter to help the plant recover its vigorous growth.