Are Larger Phalaenopsis Leaves Always Better? Solutions for Yellowing and Softening Leaves

Phalaenopsis orchids have graceful flower forms and splendid colors; they are treasures among tropical orchids and enjoy the reputation of “Queen of Orchids.” So how do you choose a Phalaenopsis? Are larger leaves always better? In addition, what should you do if the leaves turn yellow and soft during cultivation?

1. What to do when Phalaenopsis leaves turn yellow and soft?

1. Temperature control

Phalaenopsis has relatively high temperature requirements; its optimal growing temperature is 15-28°C. It is not tolerant of high heat or severe cold, and both temperatures above 32°C and below 5°C will affect its growth. Therefore, extra attention should be paid in summer and winter to ensure it grows in a suitable environment.

Treatment: Control the growing temperature of the Phalaenopsis. In hot summer, you can pull a layer of shade netting or spray water on the surrounding ground to lower the temperature. When necessary, you can place the Phalaenopsis in an air-conditioned room, but be careful that the air outlet is not directed at the orchid, and ventilate more when the air conditioner is off. In winter, you can appropriately place the Phalaenopsis in a warm spot. On winter mornings when the sunlight is mild, you can appropriately give the Phalaenopsis some sunlight to raise the growing temperature.

2. Water and fertilizer control

(1) The tip of the new shoot of the Phalaenopsis shrivels, the young leaves turn pale yellow, and the old leaves also gradually turn dark yellow. The cause is prolonged waterlogging, which leads to a lack of oxygen in the soil and the rotting of some roots.

Treatment: Watering should be controlled and fertilizing stopped.

(2) The new leaves of the Phalaenopsis grow thick and glossy, but the leaf surface is uneven, and the old leaves gradually turn yellow and fall off. This situation is caused by excessive fertilizing.

Treatment: Fertilizing should be stopped immediately, and watering should be increased appropriately. You can transplant a few small plants into the pot to consume the excess fertilizer in the pot, then remove them and plant them separately.

3. Light control

Phalaenopsis likes a semi-shaded environment and prefers diffused light. Strong light or long-term placement in a dark environment will both affect the photosynthesis of the Phalaenopsis, causing the leaf surface to turn yellow and soft.

Treatment: Normally, while ensuring sufficient diffused light, take care to avoid direct sunlight.

4. Pest and disease control

Pests such as red spider mites and scale insects can also cause Phalaenopsis leaves to turn yellow and soft. Normally, ensure air circulation (frequent ventilation helps reduce the occurrence of pests and diseases), promptly clean up dead branches and rotten leaves, and observe the plant's surrounding environment more often to keep the growing area clean.

Treatment: When pests first appear and are still few, you can gently wipe the insects off the leaf surface with a soft-bristled brush, or spray a pesticide to eliminate them.

In addition, there is another situation caused by the normal metabolism of the Phalaenopsis.

The top and new leaves of the Phalaenopsis are normal, but the lower leaves of the plant begin to turn yellow. The cause is normal metabolism.

Treatment: Normal care is enough. Leaves that fall off due to metabolism do not affect the growth of the whole plant, and new leaves will still grow later.

2. Are larger Phalaenopsis leaves always better?

Phalaenopsis leaves are generally broader and larger than those of other orchids. Within the same line of Phalaenopsis there are also leaf differences; broad, large, deep-green leaves are somewhat better, indicating that its various nutrients are sufficient and that it can provide abundantly what is needed for flowering, producing large, long-lasting flowers in large numbers.

Tips for selecting a Phalaenopsis:

There are more than 70 native species of Phalaenopsis worldwide, and more than 500 varieties have been bred through hybridization and selection. The common colors are red, white, yellow, pink, and purple. Some merchants, in order to sell at high prices, casually fabricate names and fool consumers, and this happens often. Therefore, unless you are buying in bulk as an investment and need to be particular about the variety, for household consumption there is no need to care much about the Phalaenopsis variety; just choose based on appreciation factors such as flower color, flower diameter, and health.

1. Flower color: For Phalaenopsis, naturally choose the color you like; do not be too fixated on the variety, because you may very well be cheated.

2. Flower buds: The number of Phalaenopsis flower buds is divided into three grades, A/B/C. Grade A has about 8—10 buds; Grade B has between 5—8; Grade C has fewer than 5.

3. Flower diameter: Divided into small-flowered, medium-flowered, and large-flowered. Small-flowered (flower diameter below 5 cm), medium-flowered (5-10 cm), large-flowered (above 10 cm).

4. Flower shape: Although orchid growers have proposed some standards for appreciating Phalaenopsis, no consensus has been formed, and personal preferences differ. It has not formed a set of theories like those for other orchids; however, when choosing, you can refer to the appreciation standards for orchids. The author suggests choosing ones with beautiful flower forms, compact yet spreading petals, and brilliant colors as the best.

5. Leaves: For Phalaenopsis leaves, choose ones with glossy color, thickness, a strong fleshy feel, and many leaves arranged neatly. If the leaves are firm and upright, it indicates strong vitality. If the leaf surface is wrinkled and dull, and the leaves droop downward, it indicates insufficient nutrient supply, or even that the roots have already rotted.

6. Market price: With the large-scale cultivation of Phalaenopsis, the price is now close to being affordable for ordinary people. Generally speaking, an ordinary variety of Phalaenopsis is priced at 3 yuan—under 10 yuan; if it has a large flower diameter and many flower buds, then about 20—30 yuan, and a few rare varieties are around 50 yuan. Of course, this is only for reference.