Incorrect care is the most common cause of yellow leaves on orchids. In most cases, the plant can still be saved with the following measures.
Orchids are considered demanding houseplants, and yellow leaves can be a sign of various care errors. But there is also a natural cause for the discoloration. Here's why orchids develop yellow leaves and how to effectively fix the problem. In principle, you should not remove the yellow leaves so as not to put additional stress and endanger the plant.
1. Overfertilization – nutrients only in moderation
Since the substrate in an orchid pot does not provide many nutrients, it is important to fertilize the orchid regularly. However, too much of it leads to yellow leaves, sometimes with brown spots.
Solution:
Always suspend fertilization between October and March. If the plant does not recover, it should be repotted into new substrate and fertilized less in the future.
2. Sunburn – location is crucial
If the yellow leaves show a large brown or even black spot, sometimes on the edges of the leaves, it could be sunburn. Standing directly at the window, this can happen quickly, even in intense spring sunlight.
Solution:
The plant will not die, but create optimal lighting conditions. Place the orchid in a bright place but protected from direct sunlight. An east or west window is ideal for providing the necessary brightness, while a translucent curtain offers protection on south windows. Leave the leaf on the plant until it is overgrown by subsequent plants or falls off on its own. A room temperature of 15 to 25 degrees Celsius and high humidity between 50 and 80 percent are ideal.
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3. Lack of water or root rot – know the orchid’s needs
Inadequate watering can also lead to yellow leaves. Orchids need a balanced amount of water and enough humidity. If you water too much, root rot can be another cause of yellow leaves. It occurs when the roots of the orchid remain moist for too long due to too frequent or excessive watering and waterlogging.
Solution:
Carefully inspect the substrate and roots for signs of rot. Cut off rotten and mushy roots and replant the orchid in fresh substrate. Water the orchid about once a week in summer and every two weeks in winter. Do not water the plant too intensively - it is best to use a dipping bath - and pour off excess water from the saucer immediately. Avoid hard water.
4. Leaf renewal – a natural process
There doesn't always have to be something dramatic when a leaf turns yellow. As the orchid grows, it sheds older leaves over time in order to put the energy into new shoots, for example.
Solution:
Just wait until the leaf falls off the plant on its own. Otherwise, you could injure the orchid in such a way that pests and diseases have easy access to the wound sites.
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