Learn the Language of your Orchid Leaves
When we look at an orchid, we are amazed by their beautiful delicate flower and their exotic appearance. However, perhaps the most amazing thing about this plant is not the flowers, but its’ leaves.
The leaves on an orchid tell a story. They will tell the observer if the orchid is healthy, receiving adequate amount of light and water. They will even tell you if the plant is too cold or hot. To fully understand an orchid, you need to understand the language of the leaves.
Light and Leaves:
The exact light requirement of an orchid will depend on the variety that you have. However, if you’re not certain of your variety, all you need to do is carefully monitor the leaves of your plant. The first thing that you need to know is the normal appearance for the plant. Orchid leaves, if in ideal conditions, are light, bright green in color. Any variation in this color could indicate that the orchid is missing one of its’ basic requirements.
Dark Green Leaves:
Dark green leaves are a sign that your orchid is not getting enough light. The leaves may still appear to be healthy, and new growth may be occurring; however in low light conditions your orchid plant may not flower.
To meet your orchid’s light requirements, move the orchid to a sunnier area, supplement the natural light with florescent light or open up those curtains.
Sunscreen Required
If the leaves are turning yellow or have a red hue, then ouch, your orchid may be getting sunburn. The easiest solution to this problem is to reduce the amount of light that your orchid is receiving. Although most orchids like the sunlight, they prefer the light to be filtered. Add a light curtain to the room to filter the light, limit the amount of artificial light, or find an area in your home which offers a bit more shade.
Another hint to finding the right amount of light is by looking at the types of leaves that your orchids have. Orchids with thick, leathery leaves with a wax like covering tend to like a bit more light. If your orchid has long, thin, leaves it may require a shadier environment.
Wrinkly orchid leaves are not a sign of Aging:
If the leaves of your orchid are wrinkly this is a sign that you are not meeting the watering needs of your plant. The plant could be getting either too much or too little water. So how will you know what to do? Check the roots of the plants. If you have an expansive root system, and the roots are dry, firm and white or tan in color, you may need more water. If the roots are mushy, you’ve over-watered your plant and its experiencing root rot. Trim off the rotted parts, remove as much growing medium as possible and replant the plant in dry growing medium.
Hint: When watering your orchid avoid putting any water on its leaves. Orchid leaves do not like to get wet. If the water accidentally splashes on its leaves, dry them off.
It’s too cold in here:
Have you ever seen an orchid with sections of leaves that are black and rotted? Some assume that rotting means over-watering, but in this situation, that is not the case. The orchid is frost bitten. This could happen from being too close to a cold window or a dramatic drop in temperature. If you notice that the temperature around your plant is becoming chilly, remove the plant from this area. Cooler temperatures can seriously damage or even destroy your plant.
Disease and Insects:
If you see any other types of distortions to your leaves, these may be early signals of a disease or an insect problem. Bring a photograph of your plant to your local garden center, and they will help you to diagnose if the plant has contracted an illness.
Orchid leaves are natural story tellers. When maintaining orchids, closely observe the leaves and try to decipher its’ individualized story. No two orchids are exactly alike, but by understanding their communication method we can help each one flourish. With these orchid leaves tips you should be able to determine what your orchid needs and what is ailing your beautiful plant.
