What Causes Wilted Orchid Leaves?

Overwatering

• Overwatering an orchid can result in wilted foliage, since the leaves begin to die due to lack of oxygen absorption. Excessive water around the roots prevents them from absorbing and transporting oxygen to different parts. Water orchids once every week to 10 days, or when the top 1 to 2 inches of soil feels dry, until excess drains out through the holes at the bottom of the pot. Do not irrigate the orchid if the soil is already damp. Hold back watering if you overwatered a plant until the soil is relatively dry, and resume the irrigation schedule so the orchid remains healthy and its leaves are flat, not wilted.

Underwatering

• Underwatering an orchid increases plant stress, causing its foliage to appear dry and wilted. The condition exacerbates during the summer, when soil moisture evaporates sooner, or during periods of prolonged sunlight. Irrigating the plant after a prolonged period dehydrates the plant, causing its older leaves to wilt and shed first, followed by the younger leaves, unless corrected. Adopt a regular irrigation schedule of watering the orchid every week to 10 days until the soil is evenly moist.

Pests

• Orchids are susceptible to a variety of insect pests including aphids, mealybugs, spider mites and thrips. Most of the tiny pests damage orchid foliage and stems, causing them to droop or wilt. Some pests sap juices from the orchid’s foliage, causing leaves to discolor and wilt, while others secrete honeydew that attracts ants and sets the stage for black sooty mold. Direct a fast jet of water from a hose to dislodge the pests, or rub a cotton swab soaked in rubbing alcohol over infestations. Move the potted orchid outdoors before removing the pests.

Fusarium Wilt

• Caused by Fusarium spp., fusarium wilt is a soilborne fungus that attacks a variety of plants, including orchids. The fungus damages the roots of the plant and gradually spreads upward, unless controlled. Disease symptoms include stunted plant growth, leaf discoloration, wilting foliage, rhizome discoloration and premature leaf drop. Adopt good cultural and sanitation practices to reduce chances of disease occurrence. Treat severely infected orchids with a registered fungicide such as chlorothalonil.