Yellow Orchid Leaves
Orchid species that are typically bathed in sunlight, or grow in areas which are dry and arid, have thick, very leathery leaves, whereas species that live in shaded areas have long, thin leaves.
The leaves on orchids generally live for several years, while others shed them annually and grow new leaves.
What symptoms is your plant displaying?
- Do they have yellow orchid leaves?
- Do they turn yellow and drop?
- Do they have any Black Rot? (leaves turn black and watery)
One of the most common ailments with orchids is the presence of yellow orchid leaves. It could be just a sign that your plant is suffering from old age or it could be something more serious. Don’t worry if it’s only happening to the oldest leaves as they could be just drying off. The leaves tell you a great deal about the overall health of the plant, so it’s important to take note of any changes.
If you see irregular yellow spots on the leaves, this may be the result of a fungal infection, but does not turn the whole leaf yellow. The state of the leaves can tell you a great deal about the overall health of the orchid.
One of the most common causes of yellow orchid leaves is too much light. If you have your orchid outside, especially where it’s in the midday sun, it can actually have burn spots on the leaves.
Move the plant to an area of filtered light and it will recover in no time. The leaves, however, will stay yellow and will not turn back to the bright green color. You’ll have bright green leaves again once the plant has recovered and there’s new growth.
Another reason for yellowing leaves is cold weather. Orchids do not like the cold so move them away from windows or areas where they are likely to be in a draft. If your orchids are outside, make sure you bring them inside if the temperature drops below 50 degrees F. Orchids need humidity to promote growth, but remember also that high humidity can cause fungus to grow. The ideal temperature for orchids to thrive is between 75-90 degrees F during the day and no lower than 55 degrees F at night.
Although not usually the case, too much watering can also cause yellowing of the leaves, but there will also be evidence of Black Rot as well. The only species that prefers constant damp conditions, is the Vandas, whereas the majority prefer to dry out in between watering. If your plant happens to be one in the majority, don’t water for a week or two and treat the plant with an anti-fungal preparation.
Make sure that the environment surrounding your orchids is toxin free, as fumes from products such as paint or cleaning fluids can also cause yellowing of the leaves.
Do you have enough nitrogen in your fertilizer? Your plant could be suffering from a nitrogen deficiency which is also a cause for yellowing leaves. Repot the plant if you think it’s necessary, and allow the orchid to establish a new root system. Once established, apply a nitrogen-based feed at regular intervals.
While waiting for new roots to develop, feed the foliage on a regular watering cycle of once every two weeks, misting the foliage so that minute water droplets cover the leaves like dew. This will return the foliage to a healthy green.
