Typically, orchids shed leaves as they produce new growth. However, it may happen that the leaf loss is due to some problems with the plant. Your orchid will lose leaves if it is not properly cared for or if it is attacked by disease. Read on to learn what to do and how to fix leaf drop on orchids.
Natural causes of leaf loss
Orchids may lose their leaves because this is the natural course of things. There are deciduous orchids, such as some species of Dendrobium orchid, that shed their leaves seasonally. There's nothing you can do about it. Consider that all orchids naturally shed their oldest leaves before they bloom. Therefore, you should not worry.
Orchid loses leaves due to lack of nutrients
Due to a lack of nutrients, the orchid's leaves may turn yellow and fall off. Orchids need to be fertilized regularly otherwise the plant will become unhealthy. How oftenFertilize orchids? As a rule, orchids should be fertilized every 1-2 weeks during the growth and flowering period. During the dormant phase, you should fertilize your plants every 3-4 weeks.
Watch out for root rot
Root rot is a common problem with orchids. This can cause the leaves to turn yellow and fall off. The roots of orchids are very susceptible to fungal diseases. They need good air circulation and cannot tolerate overwatering.
If your orchid's leaves turn yellow from the center outward and become soft where they connect to the plant before falling off, this is a sign of a problem with the roots. Note that healthy roots are green or white, plump and smooth. Rotten roots, on the other hand, are dark brown and mushy.
You can save your orchid from root rot by repotting it. Carefully cut off the rotten parts of the root before repotting the plant. Water only once a week and ensure good air circulation around the plant.
Avoid overwatering or dehydration
Overwatering is a major cause of root rot in epiphytic orchids. Too much water reduces the air pockets in the growing medium for the roots. This causes the roots to suffocate and causes root rot. Rotten roots cannot absorb water anddry out the plant. So the leaves turn yellow and fall off.
A dehydrated orchid can also dry out, leading to leaf drop. What to do? A dehydrated orchid will recover quickly if it is watered well.
Fertilizer problems
Roots burned by an overdose of fertilizer turn brown. Then the leaves begin to fall off. For a not very serious case of root burn, rinse the orchid for 1 minute or soak it in a larger container with rainwater or distilled water for 15 minutes. Then pour away the water. Repeat the process 2 more times. In more severe cases of root burn, the orchid must be repotted into fresh substrate and the rotten parts removed.
Pests cause leaf drop in orchids
Which pests attack orchids? The most common are mealybugs and aphids. They suck the sap from the plant's leaves, causing them to dry and fall off. A heavy infestation of spider mites, aphids, thrips, or mealybugs can deprive a plant of the nutrients it needs and cause leaves to drop.
Check the leaves of your orchid to prevent insect infestation. The sooner you detect an infestation, the greater the chance of saving the plant.
Diseases that cause leaf loss
HerOrchid loses leaveswhen it is attacked by diseases. Here are the most common diseases. How to treat them is explained below.
Bacterial soft rot
The main symptoms of bacterial soft rot are yellowing, blackening and leaf rot. This is a disease that leads to rapid destruction of the orchid. The leaves initially turn yellow and then black and rotten before falling off. The disease is transmitted through water, most often during watering, when droplets splash from one plant to another.
How do you proceed? Removethe affected leavesand treat the plant. Hydrogen peroxide and bleach are suitable home remedies.
Pseudomonas
Pseudomonas causes the appearance of unpleasant putrid spots on the leaves. Bacterial brown spot, caused by Pseudomonas, is another problem for orchids and particularly Phalaenopsis orchids. It can cause unsightly spots and rot on the leaves.
How do you proceed? You should remove infected tissue immediately and treat the plant in the same way as for bacterial soft rot.
Fusarium-Which
Fusarium wilt is characterized by fading, wrinkling, and wilting of orchid leaves. If the leaves become pale, shriveled or wilted, this may be a sign that your orchid is suffering from fusarium wilt. This disease prevents water from being transported to the leaves and can kill an orchid in as little as a month.
As with the other problems with the plant, all affected parts of the plant should be removed immediately and the remaining parts treated. Clean your tools so you reduce infection!
Collar rot
This fungal infection affects the roots and base of the leaves, which turn yellow and fall off. When the plant is infected, the leaf bases turn pale yellow before falling off. This disease should be treated in the same way by removing the affected tissue and treating the orchid.
