Why are orchid leaves closed when they first grow out

Orchids are suited to a well-ventilated environment. They are shade-loving by nature and dislike direct strong light. They dislike dryness and prefer a humid air environment. According to the physiological habits of orchids: 15-30°C is most suitable for growth, and above 35°C growth is poor. Below 5°C growth stalls and they enter a dormant state,

Different orchid varieties have different times for new shoots to emerge from the soil. Taking Cymbidium goeringii as an example: new shoots emerge from late May to late June, and some in early August. New shoots that emerge in August cannot complete their growth that year and continue growing the following year; at this time the new shoots are in a closed state. This state is maintained until they gradually unfold from mid-June to mid-July, when growth begins to accelerate. Until November, leaf growth stops.

In fact, on closer observation, most orchid leaves are in an unspread, closed state when they grow out, and they gradually unfold as the leaves grow. At the same time, when the leaves are not spreading and not growing, there is also the reason that new roots are being produced. But there are also individual abnormal phenomena caused by unsuitable environmental conditions: such as new and old leaves sticking together, which is mostly caused by insufficient air humidity.

For example, in heated rooms in the north in winter when it is dry, this phenomenon occurs due to insufficient humidity; it can also be caused by insufficient supply from the roots to the new shoots, which is related to the potting medium being too coarse. This is very common, and it is best to let nature take its course. Do not break it open with your hands; it breaks as soon as it is touched. A slight lapse in care will cause the leaves to rot.

The last cause is phosphorus deficiency. It shows as slow growth of leaf buds, delayed root development, and slight curling back of the leaf edges. You can water the roots with a 800-fold potassium dihydrogen phosphate solution. Once every 10 days, 2 times in a row.