TheNaturePlanet

Phalaenopsis orchids are elegant and beautiful, but sudden cracks in their new leaves can really affect their appearance! In fact, most of the time, it’s due to inadequate care details. Today, we’ll identify the causes and provide simple solutions~

**Cause 1: The environment is too dry**
Phalaenopsis loves humidity. When the air humidity is below 50%, new leaves become dehydrated and brittle, easily "stretched and cracked"—this is especially common in rooms with heating or air conditioning.

**Solution**: Use a humidifier to increase humidity (keep it between 60%-80%). Spray water mist around the leaves daily, or place a shallow water tray with pebbles next to the flowerpot to maintain moisture.


**Cause 2: Man-made collision damage**
New leaves are tender and delicate. Accidental collisions, scratches during watering, repotting, or moving can cause mechanical cracks.

**Solution**: Handle the plant gently to avoid leaves hitting hard objects. When watering or fertilizing, do so along the edge of the pot instead of directly flushing the leaves. Do not tear the cracked parts; let them grow naturally.


**Cause 3: Impact of pests and diseases**
Thrips and red spiders gnawing on the leaves, or infections from leaf spot disease and anthracnose, can cause uneven growth and tissue necrosis in new leaves, leading to cracks.

**Solution**: Regularly check the undersides of the leaves. If pests are found, rinse them off with water or spray imidacloprid. Promptly prune diseased leaves, spray carbendazim to kill bacteria, and ensure good ventilation.


**Cause 4: Excessively high humidity with poor ventilation**
If humidity remains above 90% for a long time in a stuffy environment, leaves absorb too much water, become brittle, and are prone to cracking or even rotting.

**Solution**: Use a dehumidifier or fan to reduce humidity and improve ventilation. Reduce misting, wipe off any water accumulated in the leaf centers after watering, and ensure no water pools in the potting soil.


**Cause 5: Sudden environmental changes**
Sudden changes in temperature, light intensity, or environment can stress the plant, causing uneven expansion and contraction of new leaf cells, resulting in cracks.

**Solution**: Avoid frequent relocation. When changing the environment, first place the plant in a semi-shaded area to acclimate for 1-2 weeks. Maintain a temperature of 18-25℃ and avoid direct exposure to cold winds or strong sunlight.


**Daily care tips**
1. Keep humidity and temperature stable; avoid sudden changes in dryness, humidity, cold, or heat.
2. Water only when the soil is dry (wait until the surface is dry before watering), use breathable growing media (sphagnum moss, orchid soil), and apply dilute fertilizer frequently.
3. Inspect the leaves weekly. Adjust care promptly if issues are found to prevent cracks from expanding.


Master these tips, and your Phalaenopsis will have shiny leaves and bloom beautifully!