Orchid flowering and dropping leaves at the same time?
Question:My orchid is growing a flower stem but dropping leaves at the same time. I can't seem to keep more than three leaves on a plant at any given time. Is this normal? The leaves also look wrinkly. Is this because of too much water or too little. I usually give it about two ounces of water every two weeks and spritz the leaves. It's on a windowsill so it gets good indirect light. What do you think?
Answers:
You are severely underwatering your orchid.
The wrinkling ofthe leaves, also called accordioning, is due to a lack of water, and yes, this is also causing the leaves to fall of.
Orchids, especially ones left in a window sill that recieves warm sunlight need to be watered atleast twice a week. Spraying the leaves does no good for watering, it may help a little with the humidity right around the plant, but they absorb water through thier rootss, not leaves.
without more info on what type of orchid it is, its hard to give specific watering instructions, but in general, the orchid roots should not be left comletely dry for more than about 1 day. They should usually be watered every three to four days.
Here is a link to an orchid specific forum where you can ask any question you like about orchids and get excellent advice.
http://forums2.gardenweb.com/forums/orch...
Maybe change the medium yo have it planted in will help...give it more pearlite for drainge? I would also feed it, because it sounds a little distressed and could probably use the pick-me-up.
What type of orchid is it and are you experienced with them? How old is it?
Those answers may also help with finding out what may be wrong with it.
Water and fertilize more often, keep in high light, but not direct sunlight. Check the roots to see if it needs transplanted
More Related Questions & Answers...