Reasons for Softening Leaves in Phalaenopsis Orchids and How to Handle It

Today I will show you how to effectively fix the problem of Phalaenopsis orchid leaves suddenly turning soft during care, so the orchid can come back to life and bloom with gorgeous flowers. 

1. Soft Rot

 Soft rot is a common disease of the Phalaenopsis orchid, and once it strikes it spreads quickly.

Symptoms: small water-soaked spots first appear on the leaves, and within just a few days they expand rapidly, feel soft to the touch, and give off a nauseating foul odor, because bacteria are multiplying wildly inside the leaf tissue, causing it to necrose and rot.

Emergency treatment: cut off diseased leaves immediately, and disinfect the scissors with alcohol to prevent cross-infection; dilute agricultural streptomycin with water and spray it evenly over the whole plant, once a week for 1 time, for 3 times in a row; move the orchid to a well-ventilated spot and keep the environment dry to stop the bacteria from multiplying further.

2. Lack of Water

The roots of the Phalaenopsis orchid are very sensitive to water.

Signs of lack of water: the bottom leaves turn yellow and wrinkle first, feel soft to the touch, and the whole plant droops and looks listless.

Fixes

1. Find a large basin, fill it with clean water, and place the whole orchid, pot and all, into it so the water seeps in slowly from the bottom; take it out after 15 minutes to make sure the roots get a good drink.

2. You can normally use a spray bottle to mist the surrounding area and raise humidity, but do not spray the leaves directly! I suggest watering 1-2 times a week, adjusting the frequency to your environment.

3. Stick your finger 2cm into the potting medium; if it feels dry, water it. Phalaenopsis orchids like a moist but not waterlogged environment.

3. Root Rot

Root rot is the hidden cause of soft leaves in Phalaenopsis orchids, and it is very hard to spot.

How to tell: the bottom 1-2 leaves wrinkle and soften first, and when you lift the plant gently it feels very loose; if there is even a sour, rotting smell from the roots, then the roots are the problem.

How to save it: take the orchid out of its pot and cut off the flower spike; rinse the roots with clean water and cut away the rotten, blackened parts, then apply carbendazim to the wounds to disinfect them; replace the medium with fresh sphagnum moss or bark, repot it, and keep it in a spot with indirect light to rest quietly, waiting for new roots and leaves to slowly grow.

Everyday Care Tips:

1.Check the leaf condition every week, so you spot problems early and treat them early.

2.Phalaenopsis orchids like a 15-28°C temperature and 60%-80% humidity, so keep them away from air-conditioner vents and radiators.

3.During the growing season, apply orchid-specific fertilizer 1 time a month, with light, frequent feeds, to avoid burning the roots.

The Phalaenopsis orchid is delicate, but as long as you master the care techniques, you can bring it back to life.