Wilted Leaves on the Phalaenopsis

Over-Watering

• Over-watering a Phalaenopsis plant can result in wilted leaves as the leaves begin to die from a lack of oxygen. They lack oxygen because the root area of the plant is filled with water, and the roots are unable to breathe and transport oxygen to the leaves. Phalaenopsis orchid plants should only be watered once their soil is dry, and never watered if their soil is already damp. If the plant has been over-watered, it should be transplanted into new, dry potting media and any rotten roots or leaves should be trimmed off.

Under-Watering

• Some Phalaenopsis orchids have pod-shaped bulbs at the base of their leaves, and these pods may become wrinkled or shrink when the plant is dehydrated. This can be a sign to look for when trying to determine if the Phalaenopsis is under-watered, which will cause the leaves to wilt.

Blooming

• It takes a lot of the Phalaenopsis plant's energy to bloom. The plant must first grow a flowering branch before blooming, and this expenditure of energy and plant resources can drain resources away from the leaves and cause them to wilt and turn yellow. If the orchid plant is small, meaning its leaves are only about three or four inches long, the flower stem can be cut back to avoid wilting leaves.

Pests

• Pests such as aphids and mealy bugs can cause the leaves of the Phalaenopsis plant to wilt. Aphids feed on the liquid stored in the leaves, drying them out and causing wilting. Mealy bugs attack the leaves and cover the leaves in a white fuzzy growth, which can prevent photosynthesis from occurring through the leaves. This can cause the leaves to wilt.