How to Cure Droopy Orchid Leaves in 7 Steps
Imagine bringing home a new orchid and giving it extra care and attention, only to watch its leaves begin to look droopy. Many of us have been there, and it can be disheartening.
An orchid is one of the most beautiful yet daunting houseplants to grow. It has a reputation for being picky, and when issues like droopy leaves happen, it can make you want to quit growing these indoor flowers completely.
Thankfully, there are a few tricks to making those leaves perk up. Below are the reasons your orchid’s leaves are droopy and seven easy steps to help.
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You’re Watering Too Much
One of the most common reasons for your orchid’s droopy leaves is overwatering. This happens when you give it too much water and its roots wilt.
Orchids are members of the Orchidaceae family, one of the largest families of flowering plants. There are over 26,000 species. Some are epiphytic, meaning they grow on other plants or trees and take in moisture from the air. Others are lithophilic and grow on rocks while terrestrial orchids thrive in soil.
Your houseplant is likely the common phalaenopsis or moth orchid. This species is epiphytic and grows on a medium that mimics a tree, like bark mix or sphagnum peat moss. Because it’s not the typical garden soil you’re used to, monitoring watering levels can be tricky. When you give it too much water, its roots simply can’t absorb all the moisture.
The first step is to check the roots. A healthy root system should be green or silvery green. Feel the roots to see if they’re firm and plump. If they’re squishy and brown or discolored, it means they’re getting too much water.
Weak roots can’t perform their job of transporting nutrients and water from the growing medium to the leaves. The leaves droop from dehydration and lack of nutrients.
With sterile pruning sheers like these, clip off the diseased roots. Repot your plant in a new growing medium that’s made specifically for orchids. After repotting, you’re going to have to adjust your watering schedule.
You’re Not Watering Enough
Underwatering is also a very common mistake with orchids. Sometimes, we want to prevent root rot so much that we neglect to water our delicate flowers.
Just like overwatering, underwatering prevents enough moisture and nutrients from reaching the leaves. As a result, they droop and look dehydrated from the stress.
To determine if you’re underwatering, check the roots. Underwatered roots will be brittle and darkly colored. They won’t have the soggy appearance of root rot but will look shriveled and parched.
With disinfected sheers, prune away damaged roots and leave healthy-looking roots. Leave the healthy-looking roots. Healthy roots will be green and plump.
After trimming away the shriveled roots, try soaking your plant in water for 10 minutes. Repot in the proper growing medium and increase your watering schedule. Aim to water once every week or two.
Growing in the Wrong Soil
If, after changing your watering schedule, you still notice droopy leaves on your orchid, it could mean you’re using the wrong soil. If the soil holds too much moisture, your tropical flower will show signs of stress through droopy leaves.
As mentioned before, your houseplant is likely a phalaenopsis variety. Most are epiphytic and need a growing medium that mimics the bark of a tree. For an epiphytic plant, getting the soil just right is crucial.
When you buy your flower from a nursery, it’s usually planted in a soil medium of peat moss. This is perfect for the plant’s flowering stage, but will usually absorb too much moisture once the flower dies.
For this problem, you’ll have to change the soil again and switch to a more appropriate mix. Root rot is a common issue, so having a well-draining mixture is key.
Repot with an organic orchid bark. You can find commercial varieties or make your own. It’s usually made from half tree bark and a combination of pumice, charcoal, coco coir, and other porous materials.
After repotting in the right soil mix, watch your plant closely. Follow a tight watering schedule and see if this solves the problem.
Too Much Sun
Finding the sweet spot when it comes to sunlight can be tricky with this tropical flower. However, an easy rule is to avoid direct sunlight.
This jungle flower evolved under the forest canopy where sunlight trickles in. Direct sun overpowers the cells in its foliage, leaving it dehydrated and blotchy with yellow or black spots.
The leaves will droop and look sickly. Too much sun damage and your pretty indoor flower will slowly die.
The first thing to do is move your plant to a less sunny location. You still want to give it enough light, but direct sun could kill it.
Check for sun damage and blotches on the leaves. Watch for any rotten areas to develop. As soon as you see rot develop, remove the infected area with sterile sheers. If you don’t catch the leaf rot in time, it could spread to other parts of your plant.
The Humidity is Too Low
These tropical houseplants thrive in humidity levels of between 60% and 80%. The native range of the common moth orchid is in tropical Southeast Asia, where it grows in humid rainforests and jungles.
When you grow one in your home, you’ll have to keep the humidity levels high. This mimics the plant’s native environment.
When the humidity is low, your houseplant will display the same signs of stress as being underwatered. If you see droopy foliage but you’ve been sticking to a proper watering schedule, it could be a sign the humidity is too low.
Immediately check the roots to see if underwatering is an issue. If they appear healthy and vibrant, low humidity could be the problem.
If you can, move your plant to a more humid location such as a bathroom or kitchen, as long as there’s enough bright light. If this isn’t possible, place a dish of water next to the plant. The moisture should raise the ambient humidity levels enough.
Finally, you can opt for a humidifier. This handy gadget takes in dry air and packs it with moisture. The humid air is great for orchids but bad for furniture and wallpaper, so use it with caution!
It Needs More Sunlight
Your orchid needs at least six hours of sunlight daily, and less light may cause its leaves to turn yellow and droopy.
Lack of light slows photosynthesis, which gives the plant energy. Although you may still get healthy-looking flowers, its foliage will start to show signs of stress from the inadequate light.
The quickest fix is to move your orchid to a spot with more light. Make sure it isn’t getting too much light in its new home.
If your home doesn’t have enough windows, try a grow light. Look for a metal halide light or a 400w high-pressure sodium light to do the trick. Be aware that your plant will need more water and nutrients to grow under this powerful light source.
Not Enough Nutrients
Nutrient deficiency can become a big problem for these potted houseplants. They thrive on lots of nutrition, especially nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. For them to flower, they need constant feeding throughout the year.
Drooping leaves is one of the possible signs your orchid needs more food. This also goes with other signs, such as yellowing leaves and discoloring.
If left unchecked, the problem could get worse until your plant stops producing new growth. This results in fewer flowers and a weak, droopy plant.
The easiest way to fix a nutrient deficiency is to feed your orchid with organic fertilizer. Use a balanced 20-20-20 formula for the best results.
This balance will give your flower everything it needs to bounce back. Powdered fertilizers tend to work the best.
As always, read and follow the directions on the fertilizer package. Avoid overfeeding your plant. Watch for changes in leaf color and vigor.
Final Thoughts
Growing an orchid can be tough and we’ve all felt overwhelmed from time to time. The plant’s picky nature is all part of the fun, right?
No matter how sensitive a plant can be, they all show us signs if they’re stressed. For an orchid, it’s often droopy leaves.
By watching for these 7 signs and acting quickly, you’ll save your plant and its precious foliage. You’ll also get to enjoy its stunning flowers for longer.
