Why your orchid leaves are wilting—and 5 fixes for a healthy plant

Your orchid's leaves can help you gauge its health.

An ill plant shouldn’t be too much of a surprise since many plants show signs they aren’t getting what they need long before they die. Orchids are no exception—the health of their leaves can be used as a gauge. Wilting leaves can signal watering, light, and temperature issues. There’s good news for owners of struggling orchids. With an adjustment in care, you can likely get your plant back on track to good health. Learn what to look for to diagnose the problem and how to fix it and keep your orchid alive.

Too Much Water

Too much water can cause root rot, which can actually prevent your orchid from getting the moisture it needs. Damaged and decaying roots can’t absorb water and nutrients, causing leaves to wilt and turn yellow. Other signs that you are overwatering your orchid include brown, mushy roots, potting medium that stays moist for days, a musty odor, and white mold.  

What To Do: If you suspect overwatering, stop watering your orchid and inspect the plant. Roots should be green or white and firm. Trim away any brown or mushy roots and repot the orchid in a fresh potting mix of large bark chunks and perlite that drains well. Let the potting mix dry out between waterings to simulate its natural tropical habitat. Ensure the mix has good airflow, give the orchid plenty of bright, indirect light, and hold off on fertilizing until the orchid recovers.

Not Enough Water

Limp, wilting leaves can also indicate your orchid is getting too little water. Instead of dampness and mushy roots, the orchid’s pseudobulbs (stem sections that store water) may look shriveled, roots may be dry and silvery, blooms droop, and buds may drop. 

What To Do: You need to water your orchid, stat. To rehydrate your orchid, submerge the bottom of the pot in water and let it soak for 15 to 20 minutes to give the roots time to absorb needed moisture from the bottom up. Lift the pot from the water and let any excess drain from the pot before returning it to its home. It may take a few days for the roots to regain their plumpness.

Inadequate Light

Orchids need bright, indirect light. If watering isn’t an issue, too much or too little light could be the problem. Wilting, floppy leaves, stunted growth, and failure to bloom can signal the plant isn’t getting enough light and is stretching to reach it. If the orchid is in a location where it gets too much sun, you may notice wilting, dehydration, crisp brown edges, or brown patches. 

What To Do: Move the orchid to an east-facing window for more light. For an orchid that gets too much sun, rehydrate the roots by soaking the plant in water for 10 minutes, and move it to a spot with filtered light. Sheer curtains can help prevent scorched leaves.

Temperature Stress

Depending on the type, most orchids prefer a temperature range of 65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit during the day, with a cooler nighttime range of 60 to 70. Some orchid varieties like warmer or cooler temperatures, so check the needs for the type you are growing. If you notice wilting, curling, or yellowing leaves, a shriveled pseudobulb, reddish or purple sunburn spots, or premature flower loss, your orchid’s environment may be too warm. Wilting leaves that blacken or curl and buds that suddenly drop indicate temps that are too cold for the orchid. 

What To Do: Filtered light can protect an orchid from hot sun, or you may need to move the plant out of direct sunlight that may be too warm. Make sure the orchid is getting enough water to prevent dehydration, and keep it away from drafts. In the winter, a heat mat can provide a warmer environment.

Low Humidity

Orchids like a humid environment that mimics their native habitat. If your home’s humidity is too low, the plant’s leaves may wilt and their edges may become crisp and brown from the dry air. Flowers may also flop and you may notice the orchid’s new growth is smaller and stunted.

What To Do: Orchids thrive in humid environments, preferring 40 to 70 percent humidity. To improve the humidity around your plant, use a humidifier to increase levels in your home or set the pot on a tray of pebbles and water. Misting can also help, depending on the type of orchid you have. Orchids that are epiphytes like moth orchid (Phalaenopsis) and Cattleya, which grow on trees, benefit from misting because their leaves will absorb the moisture. Terrestrial orchids get their moisture from the soil they grow in rather than through their leaves, so misting them won't help.

Read the original article on Southern Living