Question
I've had a Phalaenopsis Orchid for the last couple of weeks.  Recently its leaves have started to droop down to the sides of the pot.  The flowers still look great.  What does that indicate and what should I be doing about it?  Thanks!

Answer
Hello Jennifer,

There are primarily two causes for phalaenopsis leaves to become droopy, too much or too little water.  How often have you been watering it?  Is the potting media barely moist when you water or is it still fairly damp?  

Why do I ask these questions?  The potting media for phalaenopsis orchids should be allowed to become almost dry or barely moist prior to watering.  Watering when the media is still fairly moist can cause the roots to rot.  One of the problems with phals. is that the symptom for both conditions is the same, droopy leaves.  A quick check would be to smell the potting media, if it smells a little sour that could mean the media has been kept too wet and starting to rot along with the roots.  The way to tell which it is for sure is to take it out of the pot and take a look at the roots.  If all or most of the roots are soft and mushy that would indicate it was kept too wet but if the roots are mostly firm but dry looking then it was kept too dry.  Basically, what I am saying is that without good healthy roots the plant is not able to take up water to keep the leaves looking nice and firm.  

Unfortunately, once the leaves start to droop down there is not much you can do to straighten them out.  But you can help keep it alive by changing your watering frequency, watering when the media is barely moist.  If things get worse, you will see ridges form on the leaves, indicating the leaf cells are collapsing.  

Hope this helps.  If you have other questions, write back and I'll try to answer them.  Good luck and good growing.

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, Ca.