Why Are the Leaves of My Orchids Getting Soft?

Bacterial Root Rot

• You may notice that the leaves on your orchid are becoming shriveled and soft. The most common cause is bacterial root rot. Check the roots. If they are mushy and black, the problem is root rot caused by over watering. The rotted roots are preventing the leaves of your plant from getting nutrition. To treat this condition, lift the plant from the pot and remove the growing medium from around the roots. Trim black roots with scissors. Place the plant in a slightly smaller pot with new growing medium. Water the plant less frequently.

Crown Rot

• Crown rot is a bacterial infection affecting the leaves. It is similar to leaf rot with a few differences. It affects the upper leaves. Gray spots will appear and will continue to grow larger with irregular edges on a larger scale than leaf rot. The affected part of the leaf becomes soft. Use a sterile razor blade to remove the entire diseased leaf. Treat the cut edge of the plant with a commercial antibacterial solution or sprinkle it with cinnamon. Make certain that your plant receives good air circulation.

Bacterial Leaf Rot

• Leaf rot begins with a small gray spot of the leaf. The spot will become larger and the affected area on the leaf will become soft. This is a result of a bacterial infection. Treat this by cutting the leaf back to the healthy tissue with a sterile razor blade. Coat the raw edge with a commercial antibacterial solution or cinnamon. Place your orchid where it will receive good air circulation. Always water you orchid in the morning. Take care not to get water on your leaves at night because it can cause rot.

Insufficient Light

• Individual orchids require different amounts of sunlight to thrive. All orchids need several hours of indirect bright sunlight each day. If the plant receives too much bright sunlight, the leaves will fade to yellow. Insufficient lighting will cause the healthy bright green foliage to become a deep blue-green. The leaves will droop and become soft. Feel your leaves. If they feel much warmer than the room's temperature, move your plant where it will receive less sun.