Reasons for Leaf Drop in Young Phalaenopsis Orchid Plants and How to Care for Them
Many flower lovers who grow Phalaenopsis orchids worry most about their young plants dropping leaves at the slightest provocation. When a perfectly good young plant loses its leaves, it is heartbreaking beyond words. In fact, young Phalaenopsis plants do not easily drop leaves under normal conditions. If they really do, then something must have gone wrong in some part of their care.
Young Phalaenopsis plants are especially sensitive to moisture. They like a humid environment, but they are also afraid of waterlogged soil. Some friends water frantically as soon as the surface looks dry, and the result is standing water in the pot. The young plant's roots sit soaked in water, cannot breathe, and slowly rot. Once the roots rot, the leaves are sure to be lost, turning yellow one by one and dropping off. The right approach is to insert a finger into the potting medium2 - 3cm, and water only when it feels dry inside. Water thoroughly so that water runs out of the bottom of the pot, letting the excess drain away instead of staying in the pot.
Young plants are delicate and cannot take direct strong light. If you put them out under the blazing sun, the leaves will soon be scorched, first showing small spots, then turning yellow and wilting, and finally dropping off. But the light must not be too weak either, or there will not be enough photosynthesis, the young plant will grow spindly, and it may also drop leaves. It is best to place it somewhere with bright, indirect light, such as a spot in the living room near a window where the sunlight does not reach it directly.
Temperature also has a big effect on young plants. Phalaenopsis orchids like warmth, and the temperature best suited to young plant growth is18 - 28°C. If the temperature falls below15°C, the young plant's growth slows, its resistance weakens, and the leaves drop easily; if it rises above30°C, water evaporates quickly, the young plant becomes short of water, and it may also drop leaves. In the high heat of summer, shade it and cool it with ventilation; in the cold of winter, move it to a warm spot indoors and do not let it freeze.
When we are overjoyed to see a Phalaenopsis orchid sending up a new shoot, the follow-up care must be done well. A newly emerged young plant is very fragile, so do not rush to repot or fertilize it. First let it grow steadily in its original environment for a while, and once it has grown a bit larger and has2 - 3leaves, then consider repotting. When repotting, choose a suitable potting medium, such as a mix of sphagnum moss and bark, which has good air permeability and favors root growth in young plants. Repot gently so as not to damage the new roots.
Fertilizing also requires attention to timing and method. While the young plant is still small, do not apply a strong fertilizer, as it easily burns the roots. After the young plant grows3 - 4leaves, you can apply a diluted liquid fertilizer once every1 - 2weeks. An orchid-specific nutrient solution works well; dilute it according to the instructions before use to supplement the young plant's nutrients and help it grow sturdy.
As long as they are cared for properly, young Phalaenopsis plants do not easily drop leaves. After a new shoot appears, attentive care in terms of light, temperature, watering and fertilizing will let the young plant grow vigorously and bloom beautifully in the future.