Dive into the world of orchids. We’ll unravel why orchid leaves turn yellow and give remedies.
The Causes and Solutions for Orchid Leaf Yellowing
Orchid leaves turn yellow due to light, temperature, humidity, fertilizer, or pests. Xufarm.com shares 10 reasons for orchid leaf yellowing in this article. It also explains how to fix each cause.
1. Orchid Leaves Turn Yellow Due to Direct Sunlight
In their natural habitat, orchids thrive in cool, well-lit areas with indirect sunlight. But, the natural light orchids must is moderate, not harsh sunlight. Intense sunlight can make their leaves lose moisture. This can lead to yellowing and sunburn.
If you see yellowing or browning on your orchid leaves, move the plant to a shadier spot right away. This will allow the orchid to recover its leaves and prevent further damage to new growth.
In such cases, using shade netting to create a canopy for your orchid is a smart solution. This prevents direct sunlight from reaching the orchid. It reduces light intensity. It creates a well-ventilated environment for the orchid to thrive in. This, in turn, promotes healthier growth and reduces the risk of pest infestations.
Also, provide enough water and humidity. And add the needed nutrients using organic fertilizers. These can include things like orchid bark or goat manure. This will help roots grow better. It will also help the plant absorb nutrients. This will keep your orchid healthy and tough against future stress.
2. Orchid Leaf Yellowing Due to Temperature
Orchids thrive in their natural habitat. They live under the canopy of tall trees. Temperatures there are moderate and stable, and humidity levels are high. But, when orchids are grown in cities, such as on rooftops, the heat can slow their metabolism.
Over time, this can lead to heat stress, causing orchid leaves to turn yellow and become wrinkled. Failing to fix this can put the plant at risk of dying. So, it’s vital to take swift action.
Conversely, low temperatures can also result in orchid leaf yellowing. Despite orchids’ preference for sunlight, they must warmth for optimal growth. If orchids get too cold, they may not thrive. The ideal temperature range for orchids during the day is between 18-27°C, and at night, it should be around 15-22°C.
3. Orchid Leaves Turn Yellow Due to Overwatering
Orchids are a type of plant that is sensitive to water. You only need to water them when the soil dries out. This can be every 5-7 days, depending on the species. Overwatering can make orchid roots soft. They turn brown and rot. This makes the plant stop growing. The leaves will turn yellow, become wrinkled, and may also rot.
If your orchid experiences root rot due to excessive watering, it’s best to repot it in a new container. For yellow or rotting leaves, it’s best to cut them off. Cut about 2cm into healthy tissue. Make sure to sterilize your cutting tools before doing so. After cutting, sterilize the cut area. Let it dry in a dry place until the wound heals. Then, transfer the orchid to a new pot.
Also, the water quality you use for irrigation affects the orchid’s growth. Watering orchids with hard or impure water can limit root growth. Water with high chlorine can turn their leaves yellow.
If you’re using tap water, you can improve it by letting it sit in a container for 1-2 days. This allows the chlorine to dissipate and the water to stabilize. Watering your orchid with this treated water will be more beneficial. Also, in rainy months, you can collect rainwater for orchid irrigation. This saves water and gives your orchids nutrients.
4. Orchid Leaves Turn Yellow Due to Over-Fertilization
Orchid leaves turn yellow. This might look like a sign of overwatering. But, if you recently applied fertilizer to your orchid, it may be the cause of the yellowing leaves. In this case, you should rinse the orchid with water right away. If you can, repot it in fresh substrate.
Also, you can detoxify your orchid with organic remedies. These include Vitamin B12 and B1. Mix 2ml of B12 and 2ml of B1 in 1 liter of clean water. Use this solution three times, once every three days.
To prevent over-fertilization of your orchid, follow the instructions on the fertilizer package. When using foliar fertilizers, especially new ones, start with half the recommended dosage. For all types of fertilizers, be sure to mix them at the recommended concentrations.
5. Orchid Leaves Turn Yellow Due to Nutrient Deficiency
Orchids need 13 essential nutrients. These include both macro and micronutrients. But, they are sensitive to high concentrations. But, if any of these nutrients are lacking, it can hinder the plant’s growth.
For example, a lack of nitrogen causes pale green leaves. In severe cases, they may become scorched. A lack of zinc causes leaves to lose their green color. The veins stay green, while dead spots form all over the leaves. This includes the veins, tips, and edges. A lack of manganese causes loss of green color in leaves. The main veins turn dark green. An iron deficiency causes leaves to lose their green color. But, the main veins stay green, and there are no spots.
To prevent leaf yellowing from nutrient deficiencies, use organic fertilizers. They should contain all the nutrients for orchids, like orchid bark or goat manure.
Also, if you find a lack of micronutrients in your orchid, you can fix it. Use orchid fertilizers like Amino Quelant Fe. They have micronutrients.
6. Orchid Leaves Turn Yellow
If the base leaves of your orchid turn yellow, there’s no need to worry too much. The leaves at the base age, turn yellow, and fall off. New leaves emerging from nearby nodes will replace them. This is normal for single-stemmed orchids. For sympodial orchids like Phalaenopsis, it’s a sign of leaf shedding. They shed in preparation to flower.
You can allow these aging leaves to fall off, or if you prefer, you can use scissors to trim them. But, be careful when trimming to avoid damaging other parts of the orchid.
7. Orchid Leaves Turn Yellow Due to Environmental Changes
Orchids respond to sudden environment changes. They do so by yellowing and shedding leaves or by starting to flower. Thus, it’s essential to care for the orchid as it adapts to its new living conditions.
When you bring a new orchid home, keep it in a cool and shaded place and avoid immediate watering. After 2-3 days, you can start watering. When you do, mix 2ml of Vitamin B12 with 1 liter of water. Water the orchid once every three days. Additionally, you can use orchid fertilizers to promote root growth. This aids the orchid in its recovery and the growth of new roots.
8. Orchid Leaves Turn Yellow Due to Root Disease
When you see the roots of your orchid drying up and not growing despite proper care, it’s time to inspect them. If the roots don’t grow, the leaves will turn yellow. They will then fall off to save the plant’s energy.
Too much moisture for a long time can grow fungi and bacteria. They weaken the orchid’s roots and block nutrient absorption. They also let disease-causing fungi thrive, which turns the leaves yellow.
Fungi can grow fast. This causes yellowing leaves, orchid root rot, and plant death. When you detect this disease, isolate the affected orchid to prevent spreading. Then, treat the orchid by spraying it with a fungicidal solution. You can mix 2ml of a bacteria-killing solution like Physan in 1 liter of water. Then, spray the entire orchid well to disinfect it and kill the disease. In severe cases, you may need to remove all the old roots and replant the orchid in a new growing medium.
9. Orchid Leaves Turn Yellow Due to Brown Spot Rot
Bacteria cause brown spot rot disease. It shows as wet, brown spots on leaves. This disease thrives in hot, humid conditions. It can damage leaves, letting bacteria grow. If not treated , it can cause yellowing and rotting of leaves. It can even harm new emerging leaves.
When you detect this disease, act fast. Isolate the affected orchid and use sterilized tools to remove the infected leaves. Then, treat the orchid with specialized fungicides like Citizen or Marthiant.
10. Due to Trauma
This can happen if orchids suffer trauma during growth. For example, when someone uproots a plant from the wild. Or, when they break or hurt it during repotting or division. In these situations, the orchid may exhibit yellowing leaves and shed them .
This article from Xu Farm has helped you. It has identified the basic reasons and remedies for orchid leaves turning yellow.
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