What to do if orchid leaves turn yellow

Improper watering causes yellowing of orchid leaves

Causes of yellowing leaves

Orchids like a humid growing environment and have relatively high requirements for air humidity. Insufficient watering can damage the roots or the air can be too dry, which can cause orchid leaves to turn yellow. On the contrary, if you water too much, water accumulates in the pot and drainage is poor, the roots of the orchid will lack oxygen and rot, resulting in yellow leaves and even death.

Solution

You need to master the technique of watering. You should water according to the dryness of the soil in the pot, and water in the right amount and at the right time. Avoid the soil being too dry or too wet. Pay attention to the air humidity of the orchid's growing environment. If the air is too dry, spray water frequently to maintain the humidity.

Improper fertilization causes yellowing of orchid leaves

Causes of yellowing leaves

If the yellowing of orchid leaves is caused by fertilization, it is usually because too much fertilizer is applied at one time, causing the roots and stems of the orchid to be burned and the leaves to turn yellow. Because orchids do not actually need a lot of fertilizer to grow, fertilization should be applied thinly and frequently.

Solution

When fertilizing orchids, you need to apply thin fertilizers skillfully. Avoid applying concentrated fertilizers, large amounts of fertilizers, and undecomposed liquid fertilizers. On the second day after fertilizing, water should be applied once to dilute the fertilizer and avoid fertilizer damage.

Light causes orchid leaves to turn yellow

Causes of yellowing leaves

Orchids have strict requirements on light. They prefer a shadier growing environment and are relatively afraid of the sun but cannot lack sunlight. Therefore, insufficient or excessive light will affect the growth of orchids. If the light is strong, sunburn is likely to occur, causing the orchid leaves to be injured and turn yellow; if the light is weak, the orchid plants will not get enough nutrients and the leaves will easily turn yellow.

Solution

Orchids prefer semi-shade. Except for early spring and winter, they can be grown in full sunlight. At other times, place the plants in a well-ventilated place and avoid direct sunlight.

Yellowing orchid leaves caused by pests and diseases

Causes of yellowing leaves

If orchids encounter diseases and pests, the leaves may turn yellow, such as leaf spot, anthracnose, etc. Root rot may also cause the leaves to turn yellow, and may even cause more serious damage.

Solution

Generally speaking, when orchids are affected by diseases and pests, it will be a gradual process for the leaves to be affected. If pests and diseases can be discovered in the early stages of the disease, countermeasures can be taken. Based on the symptoms that appear on the orchid, you can determine what kind of disease or pest the orchid has encountered and choose corresponding treatment measures. Spraying pesticides or manual control will alleviate the yellowing of orchid leaves.

Metabolism causes yellowing of orchid leaves

Causes of yellowing leaves

The growth of orchids requires the replacement of old with new ones as the plant grows. Because of the need to develop new leaves, the old leaves will not continue to grow, but will turn yellow, wither and fall off.

Solution

The yellowing of leaves due to metabolism is a normal phenomenon and there is no need to worry too much.