How to Evaluate the Health of Orchids

Phalaenopsis orchids are relatively easy to grow, and they can last for many, many years if they are given the right balance of light and moisture. If you want to know whether you are caring for your Phals correctly, you have to evaluate their health on a regular basis. Here are some signs that you should look for when you are evaluating the health of your orchids:

Signs of Healthy Orchids

• Orchid leaves are thick and rubbery
• Leaves are uniformly green, and not mottled
• Colors in the blooms are robust
• Aerial roots are white and have green shiny tips. Longer green tips indicate better health
• Potting mix is barely moist, and not bone dry or soaking wet

Signs of Unhealthy Orchids

• White webbing on leaves
• Leaves are yellow or have brown edges
• Very dark green leaves
• Limp, wrinkled, or torn leaves
• Leaves are calloused in the middle
• Black crust on leaves or stem
• Black, brown, or yellow spots
• Tiny holes in the petals
• Wilting or damaged flowers
• Unusual spots on leaves and flowers that are caused by fungi or disease
• Orchid roots are shriveled, and not thick and white or grey in color
• Plant is shrinking over time
• Pot is becoming too big for the orchid
• Orchid has not bloomed for more than a year

Many factors can affect the health of your Phalaenopsis orchids. When you see unhealthy signs on your orchids, you have to find out their causes and take the appropriate actions immediately.

Take a look at our “Having Trouble?” section to learn how to troubleshoot orchid problems.