We often cannot take good care of our beautiful orchid plants. Moreover, because of this, the leaves of the orchid turn yellow. Do not panic! Every plant has a way of rearing; you should know why your plants are in trouble and how to help them get out of it.
So, why do orchid leaves turn yellow?
There can be so many reasons out there that the leaves are getting yellow, but yes, there is no problem that does not come up with solutions. Let us find the reasons behind it and some beautiful solutions.
Orchids- vibrant and happy colors, green leaves, a variety of species can make your garden more beautiful. The celestial beauty of the orchid resembles love, charm, enrichment, strength. These flowers can be an excellent gift for your friends, family, the people who know that there can be nothing more beautiful than flowers.
One of the largest flowering plants is the orchid family. Every orchid family has a unique look. This family includes more than 25000 different species, which you will find in every continent except Antarctica.
The lower classification of orchid consists of a moth orchid, boat orchid, Singapore orchid, tiger orchid, vanilla orchid. Most of them are used as indoor plants. They breathe with you at your house and make your room smell good.
Having a unique fragrance and appealing beauty, also a quality of re-blooming throughout the year and living for a long time, orchids are very fond of as gifts. Though it has many good qualities, it demands your care and love.
Why Do Orchid Leaves Turn Yellow?
| Reasons | Solutions |
|---|---|
| 1) Natural death of the leaves | Cutting off the yellow leaves |
| 2) Overwatering | Drainage holes, Trimming roots |
| 3) Direct sunlight | Set up in east or south-facing place |
| 4) Temperature | Place curtain for air circulation |
| 5) Humidity check | Spray water frequently |
| 6) A Sudden Change of environment | Make the environment proper |
| 7) Sufficient amount of fertilizer | Use sufficient fertilizer |
| 8) A fungal and bacterial infection | Spray pesticide or fungicide |
| 9) Cleanliness of plant | Wash the leaves with soapy water |
Reasons and solutions
1) Natural death of the leaves
Birth follows up to death. When the leaves of your plants expire, it starts to fall off, and it is natural. Plants need to develop new leaves, and for this, it starts to fall off the old leaves. It is just the life cycle of an orchid, nothing else.
- You can fix it just by cutting off the yellow part from the leaves.
2) Overwatering
Overwatering leads to the root of the plants to rot. So, when will you water the plants? To know this, you have to put your finger into the potting, and after pulling out your finger, if you see medium moisture soil, then you should not water the plant. However, if you find dry soil, then your plant must be thirsty.
- All the pots of orchids must have drainage holes to drain off the excess water from them, and the root will not be in touch with water. It will prevent the roots from rot and save your plant.
- If there are still has some healthy green roots, rotted roots should be trimmed before re-potting.
3) Direct sunlight
Too much direct sunlight burns the leaves, and it turns yellow. Orchids should be in the right place where it can avoid burning sunlight. Indirect sunlight is preferable for orchid plants. Remember, no sunlight at all can prevent orchids from blooming.
- Set up your plant in an east-facing or south-facing place.
- Behind curtains or window blinds can help to prevent excess sunlight.
4) Temperature
Imbalance of temperature can cause damage to the leaves of the orchid. Below 60°F or above 80°F is not a comfortable temperature for your orchid plant. Make the temperature in between this.
- You can add curtains, or place it in somewhere the air circulation is going on. So the plants will not face the stress.
- Place a thermometer and have a look at it frequently.
5) Humidity check
Orchid plants prefer a humidity level of 55-75% approximately. More or less than this will cause harm to your plants.
- If you see leaves are getting dry, spray water frequently.
- You can use a room humidifier.
- You can increase the humidity by placing the pant into a pot of pebbles and water.
6) A Sudden Change of environment
If you just bought a plant of orchid and place it in your room, seeing the leaves are getting yellow can make you feel worried about the plant. Nevertheless, know that it can happen because of the sudden change in the environment. Leave the plant like this; do not water it for one or two days. It will grow when it starts to cope.
- Make the environment proper for the plant, place it in the right room, the right direction, do not worry about it.
- You can just cut off the yellow part of leaves if you see other leaves growing.
7) Sufficient amount of fertilizer
“Excess of anything is very bad” is very relatable in fertilizing your orchid plants. Magnesium, calcium, zinc should be in your plant but neither more nor less. If you put more fertilizer, it will prevent the plant from taking iron.
Moreover, the plant will face nutrient deficiency, which will lead the leaves to turn yellow. Orchids are the light feeder plants. However, less amount of fertilizer will not help also.
- Know the correct amount of fertilizer that should be given.
8) A fungal and bacterial infection
Sometimes you can see the leaves of your orchid plants are turning yellow, and it is growing from one side of the leaf to the other, from one leaf to others. If you find the smell is delicate, you have to know that it is a fungal infection. If you find foul odor, then it is a bacterial infection. Let us find out the solution for this!
- As soon as you notice a fungal or bacterial infection of your plant, move it from the other plants.
- Remove the infected areas with a blade or scissors.
- Spray pesticide or fungicide.
9) Cleanliness of plant
Do not stress out when you see any bugs in your plant or extra stem and leaves. It is time to clean your plant.
- Remove the bugs using your hands. Do not forget to wear gloves.
- Remove unnecessary leaves and stems.
- Wash the leaves with soapy water, using a piece of cotton cloth. Get a bowl; add water and any mild dishwashing liquid. Mix it and dip the cloth into it. Moreover, wash the leaves thoroughly.
Taking care of orchids
Now, you know why your plants are not blooming and why the leaves do not seem happy. Before you start gardening or before buying any plant, ask someone who has enough knowledge about plants and their maintenance.
Moreover, if you know nothing about rearing plants, but still, if you are gifted any orchid plant or any plant, be happy! It is time to know about how the beautiful blessings of nature grow.
Learn what kind of pot you need, what kind of soil you have to collect, how much water a plant need, whether your plant loves direct sunlight or not, whether your plant loves to be in your room or balcony or loves to bath in the sun and rain at your rooftop or outward garden. Give your orchids the right environment and the right food; it will not disappoint you.
Sometimes you need to have your own time with the sky, flowers, nature. If you are having a bad day, look out for the flowers, they are smiling at you; look at the green you have grown in your garden.
It can be a small one, but it is something you love, you care about, something that is beautiful and valuable. Sit back and see how gracefully a flower blooms! How calm the breeze is! How peaceful this nature is! Breathe!
Conclusion
So by now, you know why do orchids turn yellow. And we also gave you the solutions to those different situations. Hope it helps you.
Let us foster our orchids together. Let us love our nature more and make it greener. Do not forget to love yourself too. Happy gardening!