There are various causes that cause one of the most common types of damage to orchids: the leaf turns brown. There is now an urgent need for action, because the leaves are responsible for supplying the inflorescences with water and nutrients. Here we name the two most common causes of the misery.
Too much sun or moisture can cause brown leaves
Cause #1: Sunburn
The south window is forbidden territory for orchids. Here the exotic rainforest flowers come under direct sunlight at midday in summer. The consequences are fatal, because the leaves turn brown and die. Therefore, choose a location on the west or east window where the sensitive plants can enjoy mild sunshine in the morning or evening.
Cause #2: waterlogging
The desire for high humidity does not imply that orchids should be watered frequently and plentifully. In fact, the epiphytes prefer a slightly moist substrate that dries well in the meantime. Foliage turns brown when an orchid suffers from wet feet. How to prevent the damage:
- If the aerial roots feel dry, submerge the entire root area in water
- Drain the water well and only then put it in the cachepot
In addition, spray an orchid regularly with a gentle mist of room-warm, lime-free water. Include the aerial roots, because in the wild, this is how the epiphytic plants absorb moisture from the air.
tips
Don't just cut off brown leaves. As long as it is still green in some areas, a leaf makes at least a rudimentary contribution to the supply of bulbs, shoots, buds and flowers. Only when an orchid leaf has completely died is it ideally plucked out, twisted out or cut off with a disinfected scalpel.