Even experienced growers are faced with the cracking of the leaves, which means that the problem is relevant. It is important to understand that the internal state of the plant, one way or another, is reflected in its appearance.
Perhaps the cause of all the wrong care or uncomfortable conditions for the orchid. Therefore, it is necessary to figure out why the cracks appear, how to get rid of the disease, and then to prevent.
What is it and how does it look?
The visual defect looks like a rift running along the central vein of a leaf plate. In this case, the crack itself may come from the stem, and end with the tip of the leaf. As a rule, the lower leaves of an orchid burst. But at the same time, they do not turn yellow, do not fade, do not rot, however they spoil the vernal appearance of the flower. That is, these damaged leaves fully grow and develop.
What causes the break in the middle of the plate?
Orchid leaves are strong, leathery, elastic. And this kind of deformation is stressful for the plant. After all, the integrity of tissues, as a result, metabolism is violated To all the plant has an unhealthy appearance. And before proceeding to action, you should find out the reason:
- mechanical damage;
- uncomfortable location;
- excess moisture;
- adverse air parameters (temperature, humidity);
- root diseases;
- excess nutrients;
- root drying;
- sudden changes in temperature;
- rapid cooling after watering.
We recommend to watch a video about the causes of cracks on the orchid leaves:
Why is this happening and what to do?
The sheet plate divided into two is an unusual phenomenon.. Though any florist can face a similar problem. Of course, if the fault is a natural process or carelessness of the owner, everything is clear. And if the young, healthy orchid leaves suddenly began to crack, then you should look for the cause and act.
Mechanical damage
It is hard to believe that powerful leaves can break. This can happen in different situations: during transportation, watering, sudden change of location or transplanting. The florist may not immediately notice the injury. Usually the injured part falls on the center of the leaf plate.
Measures taken:
- If a shallow scratch appears, it will most likely be tightened with a mechanical cloth.
- However, if the leaf has split into two halves, then in order to prevent and prevent the process of decay, this place should be treated with an antiseptic solution.
We recommend to watch a video about cracks on orchid leaves about mechanical damage:
Excess nitrogen
The frequent use of nitrogen-based mineral fertilizers does a lot of harm. When the plant is overfedged with nitrogen in addition to cracked leaves, there are other relevant symptoms:
- leaf color turns dark green;
- the sheet plate is extended;
- the surface becomes corrugated, wavy;
- the green mass becomes juicier, and there is no blooming.
Measures taken:
- Exclude nitrogen fertilizers from the orchid diet.
- We take out a plant from a pot.
- We clean the roots and soak them in warm water.
- Give time to dry.
- We update the substrate and transfer the pot to a well-lit place.
- Mineral fertilizers exclude completely for 3 months.
- After a while, a course of treatment with potash fertilizers, once a month for six months.
Root drying
This reason is the most common. Perhaps because orchids love heat so much. But everything is good in moderation. Due to lack of moisture, the leaves move apart and cracks appear. In addition, the foliage becomes sluggish, flabby. You can not leave the pot with a flower in the cold period near radiators or under ultraviolet light.
Measures taken:
- Move the orchid to the room where the temperature is lower.
- Allow to recover within 2-3 hours.
- Moisten under the root and sprinkle the leaves.
- The flower restores the water balance up to 5 days.
Small amount of roots
After suffering a disease or pruning during a transplant, the exotic loses a large number of roots. And subsequently, the plant is unable to feed the powerful, large leaves. Therefore, they begin to burst. The most successful way out is to remove part of the green mass.
Measures taken:
- We disinfect the cutting tools.
- Remove damaged foliage, and if necessary, healthy.
- Sections sprinkled with activated charcoal, ground cinnamon.
- Isolate the plant, let him stay in quarantine.
- The first 2-3 weeks do not fertilize the soil.
- Moisten once a week, no more.
After a while, the roots will grow, and new young shoots will appear.
Rapid cooling after watering
When caring for orchids, you need to be especially careful in the winter. It happens that after wetting, cold air enters the flower when a wet plant is taken out onto a balcony, a window is opened for airing, or placed on a windowed window sill. Hypothermia is quite a dangerous phenomenon. As the vessels passing through the center of the leaf plate and to the roots are destroyed. Stimulates the development of such diseases rot.
Measures taken:
- From the arrival of cold weather is to measure the temperature of the air near the window. If it turns out to be below + 17-18 ° С, then there is no need to leave an orchid there. She should find a warmer place.
- It is also important to eliminate drafts, and after wetting it is desirable to wipe the leaves dry.
Low humidity and high temperature
The combination of these parameters leads to negative consequences for orchids. If it is in a room where bright sun shines brightly and high temperature. Of course, the flower is hot, and a large volume of liquid evaporates from the green mass. In addition, an exotic plant can not be fed in full with water, hence the cracks and tears of green leaves.
Measures taken:
- It is recommended to carry out daily spraying of leaves.
- Place the orchid pot in a cool place.
Large temperature differential
Cold air may be the cause of the cracking of the sheet plate. When transporting orchids home from the store, in contact with cold glass or air infiltration. If the temperature difference is more than 5 ° C, then this will adversely affect orchids.
Important: Hypothermia goes into the injection form - the exotic slowly gains green mass, drops buds, cracks appear on the leaves, yellow stains, signs of lethargy.
Measures taken:
- Deformed leaves, affected buds can not be treated, they should be removed.
- Replanting should not be the same. Just move the pot to a more comfortable environment and moisturize regularly.
How to prevent re-splitting the plate in half?
In order to further eliminate problems with the leaves should properly care for the plant.:
- Comply with the optimum temperature and humidity parameters of the air, + 22-25ºС in the summer, + 16-18ºС in the winter, humidity 60%.
- Watering on demand - after full drying of the substrate, do not bring to a strong drying of the soil.
- Use clean, filtered water.
- Provide daily sprinkling.
- Lighting is needed scattered.
- To often air the room.
- Fertilize orchids need 2 times a month.
- Do not overdo it with nitrogen preparations.
- In the flowering period apply a feed based on potassium and phosphorus.
- Avoid drafts and cold air on the orchid.
- Carefully inspect the flower for infectious disease.
Conclusion
Of course, indoor flowers require attention, then they grow and develop better. But sometimes an excess of care can play a cruel joke. It is important to be able to listen to the needs of the orchid. Try to follow the rules of care. And you are sure to be friends with your favorite.
