Why do the roots and other parts of the Phalaenopsis orchid begin to dry and how to save the plant?
The beauty of a blooming orchid captivates everyone without exception. According to one legend, it is believed that flowers are pieces of a rainbow scattered around the world.
They have a variety of shapes and colors. Florists with orchids are proud of such a miracle. But it happens that the plants begin to dry. In the article, we will examine why such a nuisance happens with leaves, buds on a peduncle and with the roots of an orchid and tell you what to do to save your pet.
What is this condition?
The drying process means the loss of stiffness, elasticity of leaves or flowers.In this case, the dried part of the plant turns yellow, loses life-giving moisture. Also photosynthesis stops in a damaged place, there are no vital processes, we can say that dying off occurs.
We explained here why the leaves of the phalaenopsis turn yellow and what to do in this situation.
Optimum irrigation mode
It is believed that the plant begins to dry due to lack of moisture. Partly the statement is true, but there are also a number of factors affecting the state of the plant. We will describe them in detail below. As for watering phalaenopsis, of course, this is really important.
- Moisten the flower in summer up to 3 times a week, in winter - once every 2 weeks, in autumn and spring - once every 7 days.
- Watering is carried out after complete drying of the substrate.
- Use only soft, filtered water, preferably warm.
- If you add fertilizer with watering, then at first you should slightly moisten the soil, and then add nutrients. Thus, eliminate the possibility of root burns.
- The recommended method of watering is by immersing a flowerpot with a flower in a basin for replenishment with water. The duration of such irrigation is 10-15 minutes.
Why do different parts of a plant dry out?
Beautiful phalaenopsis loses its attractive appearance - the picture is created joyless. Of course, dryness is directly related to the violation of biochemical processes, but it is worthwhile to understand the factors, because the exact knowledge of why leaves, buds and roots, including airy ones, dry, will help determine how to act to revive the orchid.
Reasons for drying | Plant parts | ||||
underground roots | leaves | buds | peduncle | aerial roots | |
Waterlogging of the soil | + | + | + | + | + |
Improper use of fertilizers | + | + | + | + | + |
Root system damage | + | + | + | + | + |
Low Humidity | + | + | + | ||
Root overheating | + | + | + | + | |
Sunburn | + | + | + | ||
Insect damage | + | + | + | + | + |
Natural aging process | + | + | + | + | + |
Hypothermia | + | + | + | + | + |
Lack of lighting | + | + | + | + | |
Hard water with high salt content | + | + | + | + | + |
The flower is infected | + | + | + | + | + |
Stress | + | + | + | ||
Lack of fluid | + | + | + | + | + |
What is the danger?
The appearance of dried parts of phalaenopsis indicates various ailments or natural processes.
The main danger is to react in time to the first symptoms. It is important to help the sick phalaenopsis in time, because the consequences are fraught:
- complete drying of the roots;
- deterioration in general condition against the background of infectious diseases;
- developmental impairment;
- the cessation of flowering.
Help algorithm depending on the cause
Foliage, flowers, roots dry and fall away. Any florist can face a similar problem.Of course, everything is clear with natural processes. As a result of aging, parts of the plant periodically dry out and fall away. But young leaves, buds, healthy roots dry out, something is not right. Having dealt with the causes of this phenomenon, it is worth looking for ways out of a difficult situation.
Root overheating
Orchids come from the tropics, it is not surprising that they love warmth. However, everything is good in moderation. Do not leave the plant in direct sunlight, near a heating radiator in winter, or under a stream of hot air from an air conditioner.
Action taken:
- Remove the orchid from a warm place.
- Allow to cool for 2-3 hours.
- After a little pour and sprinkle the leaves.
- The plant can restore water balance up to 5 days.
Too wet
Excessive moisture is a serious problem for plants. Phalaenopsis, damaged by rot, begins to lose foliage. Leaves become soft, dry.
Action taken:
- Extract flower from pot.
- Rinse the roots under running water.
- Remove damaged areas, treat sections with an antiseptic.
- Leave to dry overnight.
- Transplant the orchid in a new soil and a good drainage layer.
- Water only after the soil has dried.
You will learn about how to save phalaenopsis from rot and what to do if the roots disappear, from this article.
Stress
A sudden change of residence for orchids is a kind of shock. After all, at the same time, lighting, temperature, humidity changes.Plants immediately respond to such changes. At first, the flower can stop flowering, lose buds, but then everything will work out. It takes time to adapt.
Stress Management: optimize comfort settings for keeping phalaenopsis at home.
Substrate compaction
Regularly, the substrate needs to be changed, plant transplantation is carried out every 2-3 years. During this time, the soil is depleted, its structure is changing. Natural components begin to decompose, salts accumulate, drainage holes become clogged.
The root system begins to hurt, dry out, as a symptom - dry leaves, buds, airier roots, peduncles.
Measures taken to change the substrate:
- Extract flower from pot.
- Rinse the roots under running water.
- Remove damaged areas, treat sections with an antiseptic.
- Leave to dry overnight.
- Transplant the orchid into a new soil enriched with minerals and a good drainage layer.
Transplanting and replacing the substrate in an orchid.
Hypothermia
Quite often, wilting of phalaenopsis occurs as a result of cold air entering the leaves. For example, when transporting a plant from the store home, when the foliage comes in contact with glass, when the window is frost -16 ° C.Subcooling also provokes the discharge of buds. But do not despair, this phenomenon is short-lived.
Subcooling measures:
- Dried leaves, peduncles should not be treated. They should definitely be eliminated.
- The plant does not need a transplant. It is only worth moving to a warmer place and do not forget about regular hydration.
Lack of light
Phaleonopsis is a shade-tolerant plant, but this does not mean that it absolutely does not need sunlight. As a result of a lack of lighting, leaves, airy roots, buds are completely unformed. In the absence of light, the process of photosynthesis slows down.
Action taken:
- Move to a more lighted place.
- If necessary, equip additional lighting.
Thermal burns
Sunlight should be in moderation. Phalaenopsis does not tolerate intense lighting.Direct sunlight from direct contact causes burns on the leaves. Incorrectly selected artificial lighting, less than 20 cm distance between the lamp and the flower, provokes thermal burns.
Action taken:
- Remove the damaged sheet.
- We transfer the plant to a more comfortable place to live.
Thermal burns in an orchid.
Oversupply or malnutrition
The frequent use of mineral fertilizers does more harm than good. This process is reflected in this way: leaves, peduncle, roots dry, buds fall during the flowering period. Lack of nutrients negatively affects the development of the plant.
Action taken:
- We get the plant out of the pot.
- Soak the roots in warm, clean water.
- We transplant into new soil and place in a well-lit place.
- You can fertilize after 2 weeks with weakly concentrated preparations.
Bacteria damage
Dangerous causes of the defeat of phalaenopsis are bacterial infections. The disease occurs in some parts of the plant, while not affecting others. As a result, the disease is rather difficult to recognize.
Action taken:
- Creating optimal comfort conditions for phalaenopsis.
- Separate a diseased plant away from healthy flowers.
- Remove damaged areas of the plant.
- Spray the orchid with an aqueous solution of fungicide.
Pests
Leaves, roots, flowers die down - as a result of infection of a room orchid with harmful insects. In particular: aphids, scale insects, whiteflies, ticks, mealybugs. Insects are placed on the back of the leaf and feed on the sap of the plant.
If pests are found, it should:
- Move the infected plant to another room.
- Remove insects with a cotton swab.
- If necessary, trim the affected areas.
- Wash leaves with warm soapy water.
- In case of severe damage, treat the plant with a solution of intoxication.
Moisture deficit
Lack of fluid can occur when there is no watering at all.A plant needs a minimum amount of water, which dissolves the minerals found in the soil and nourishes the root system.
Action taken:
- We extract the orchid from the flowerpot.
- We immerse in a basin with water until the earthen coma is deoxidized.
- Please note that water should not get on the leaves.
- If necessary, put in a new pot.
What to do for prevention?
For full development, excellent flowering and prevention from diseases and pests, orchid requires proper care.
- Maintaining a comfortable temperature in summer: + 22-25ºС, in winter + 16-18ºС.
- Lighting is required diffused, with a daylight duration of 14 hours.
- Humidity within 50-60%. Be sure to regularly ventilate the room.
- Fertilize orchids 2 times a month, especially during flowering
- It is better to spray Phalaenopsis up to 5 times a day.
Indoor plants, like people, need love, care, attention. For this attitude, orchids will reward you with magnificent, bright, excellent flowering. And for many years they will be the best decoration of your home.