Leaf fall on an orchid is not always due to the natural growth cycle. If the plant loses its leaves without any fresh shoots appearing, a detailed analysis of the background cannot be avoided. For your reference, we have compiled common causes for you here with practical tips for solving the problem.
Why is my orchid losing its leaves?
If an orchid loses its leaves, lack of light, compacted substrate or root damage can be the cause. To stimulate growth, you should move the plant to a bright location, change the substrate and possibly use a special nitrogen-based fertilizer.
Lack of light – the subtle cause of leaf fall
Orchids are not real sun worshipers. In its native rainforests, it prefers to frolic under the protective canopy of mighty trees, as the sunlight is pleasantly filtered here. In a permanently shady location, photosynthesis gradually comes to a standstill and the orchid loses all of its leaves. If you move the plant to a bright location on the west or east window, the foliage will regenerate quickly.
Compacted substrate causes leaf fall
If an orchid sits in the substrate for too many years, the organic components decompose. Over time, the orchid soil becomes so compacted that root damage occurs. This results in a reduced supply of water and nutrients to the leaves, so that sooner or later they fall off. If you can identify this cause as the trigger, repot the orchid as soon as possible. This is how it works:
- Dip the roots in soft water to make them supple
- Unpot the leafless orchid to remove any substrate residue
- Cut off dried, diseased aerial roots if necessary
In the new pot, first fill a 2-3 cm high layer of expanded clay (€19.00 at Amazon). Add a handful of the fresh substrate on top. Using a twisting motion, pot up the orchid, add the remaining orchid soil and water.
Tip
If an orchid has lost all of its leaves, a special nitrogen-based fertilizer will get growth going again. In a bright, warm window seat, add the liquid fertilizer to the watering or dipping water every 2 weeks. Flowers are not wanted during this critical phase and are cut off because they use too much energy. Only with 2 he althy leaves is an orchid strong enough for the next flower.