Accordion leaves

[Sandra75]

A lot of my orchids are growing new leaves like in accordion shapes! Like they were trapped in the little skin too long.

What causes that condition? At least 5 different orchids I have are growing crippled leaves like that and I dont know why!

Thanks for your help!!

[silken]

The accordian leaves are due to a shortage of moisture to the plant. I would guess the type of orchid you are referring to are from the oncidium group? They do this if they are not getting enough humidity, or water. It may also be caused by a root problem making it unable to take up sufficient water. This type should usually be watered just as they are drying out rather than waiting for them to go bone dry.
It might be an idea to check the roots, just in case you have some root rot. Otherwise if they are healthy, just step up the humidity or water them a bit more frequently. The leaves that are pleated won't change, but new ones will come out straight.

[Jennyfleur]

Mmm, my Onc did that on a new growth early last summer. By the time it got to mid/ late summer it started growing another p/bulb and I increased waterings. That one is now double the size of the one with the little crinkly leaves. I mist everyday in the summer as I knew that could be a problem, but I'd say Silken is right, it could be a sign of either low humidity or not enough water (I think mine was caused by the latter as, like I said, once I increased the water the new p/b grew properly)

[Sandra75]

Low humidity makes sense! Its pretty dry here in winter esp with the heat on.

My Miltonia, a Ornithophora, my Pleione, a Dendrobium.

I tried pulling the leaves to stretch the 'accordion' off of them but I ended up breaking those leaves.

He Ornithophora and Miltonia are far the worse. The bulbs of the Miltonia are plump but those of the Orn. looks shrivelled a bit tho

[BikerDoc5968]

The 1st question is to ID what orchids you are talking about, since Lycaste and Phaius leaves are naturally quilted. If these are Oncidium Alliance, then I would agree with the others that water is the reason.

[Orchid126]

Once the water or humidity is stepped up, the accordian leaves won't straighten out, but the newer leaves should come in okay.

[johnblagg]

I have had the same thing happen to Phaius and dens,and I have one catt O got last spring from a lowes that has very wavy leaves...all due to to little moisture