Plant guide:ðŸŒļ Orchid
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Leaves

Cold Damage on Orchids

Commonly affects: Phalaenopsis spp. and other Orchidaceae (Orchid)

Leaves develop translucent, water-soaked patches that turn brown or black after cold exposure, often near a drafty window in winter.

Potential Causes

  1. 1Cold drafts from a nearby window, door, or air conditioning vent
  2. 2Most common orchids being tropical in origin and sensitive to temperatures below 13°C
  3. 3Leaves touching cold window glass in winter

Solution Steps

  1. 1Move the plant away from cold drafts, windows, and vents, especially in winter
  2. 2Keep leaves from touching cold glass directly
  3. 3Cut away severely damaged leaf tissue once the danger has passed
  4. 4Maintain a consistent, warm location year-round

Prevention Tip

Even a brief brush against cold window glass on a winter night can damage orchid leaves — keep plants a few centimetres clear of the glass.

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