Why do the leaves of the crab claw orchid become loose and soft?
Comprehensive analysis of the reasons why the leaves of crab claw orchid become loose and soft, and a review of 4 incorrect maintenance methods related to green plants and flowers. Let's follow the editor to take a look!
Many plant enthusiasts have raised crab claw orchids, which belong to the cactus family. They are relatively tough and easy to care for, and their flowers are also very beautiful, making them very popular among enthusiasts. However, during the process of raising crab claw orchids, it is often encountered that the leaves suddenly become soft and droop for no reason, lying flat in the pot, and they may even wither directly over time.
The reason for the softness of the crab claw orchid leaves is not caused by a single factor. Many situations can lead to the plant wilting, causing the leaves to become soft and droop. The following 4 incorrect maintenance methods can easily make the leaves soft.
First, leaves become soft after blooming
Many plant enthusiasts' crab claw orchids become much thinner after blooming, and the whole plant looks limp and lacks vitality.
This situation is relatively normal because the plant consumes a lot of nutrients from the leaves during the blooming process. If no fertilization was done before blooming, the nutrients in the leaves will be almost depleted, resulting in soft leaves and a lack of vitality.
Just give it some dilute fertilizer water after flowering, and it will recover after a period of time. If no fertilization is done, not only will it not produce new leaves easily, the overall condition will be poor.
Second, sudden exposure to low temperatures
During the early spring, it is common for crab claw orchids to have leaves that become soft and flowers that wilt for no apparent reason, especially for those pots moved outdoors too early.
Many of these cases are caused by low-temperature frostbite. The temperature in spring is very unstable, sometimes with high temperatures during the day and sudden drops at night, resulting in a large temperature difference between day and night, which easily causes the flesh of the crab claw orchid's stems and leaves and flower buds to freeze.
Its cold tolerance is poor, so it should not be moved outdoors too early in the spring. Wait until after Qingming Festival when the temperature is stable before moving the crab claw orchid pots outside.
Third, leaves become soft due to strong sunlight exposure
Although crab claw orchids enjoy sunlight, they are also sensitive to it, especially in the summer when the plant cannot tolerate high temperatures and enters a dormant state, at which point it fears moist soil and strong sunlight.
Some beginners who are just starting to raise crab claw orchids do not understand their growth habits and continue to expose them to direct sunlight when it gets hot, which can cause the leaves to become soft and wilt.
In autumn, winter, and spring, crab claw orchids can be exposed to more sunlight to promote plant growth and flowering. However, when the weather is hot, they should be placed in a cool and well-ventilated environment.
Fourth, excessive and frequent watering
Crab claw orchids are cacti that can tolerate drought but fear waterlogging. Their root systems are not developed and consist of fine fibrous roots. If excessive and frequent watering occurs during maintenance, the soil in the pot will remain moist for a long time, leading to root suffocation and rot.
When the roots rot, the stems and leaves do not receive nutrient supplements, which can also lead to soft leaves and a limp appearance.
Therefore, when caring for crab claw orchids, it is important to strictly control watering. Only water when the soil is dry, and the soil should not remain moist for a long time, allowing for a transition from wet to dry. Especially during the summer dormant period, watering should be controlled reasonably to avoid root rot and leaf softness.
Conclusion: The softness and droopiness of crab claw orchid leaves are usually caused by the above four factors. As long as incorrect maintenance methods are corrected during the care process, such situations can be avoided.
The detailed explanation of the reasons for the softness of crab claw orchid leaves and the review of 4 incorrect maintenance methods mentioned above aims to provide you with assistance in green plant management.