Yellow orchid leaves mark the end of a natural life cycle. Older leaves attain a yellow color and then fall off on their own. Since all orchids shed their aged leaves, the yellow leaves are nothing unnatural. However, there can be some other reasons for orchid leaves turning yellow.
Top 6 Reasons for Orchid Leaves Turning Yellow- And How to Fix Them
It is nothing problematic if the plant’s lower leaves are yellowing and the newer ones are fresh. However, younger orchid yellowing leaves indicate a problem. Here are some factors responsible for turning your orchid leaves yellow and the best thing is that we have discussed the detailed and proven solutions to every problem. So, let’s dive deeper into the detail and analyze where you are lacking.
#1 Over Watering
The most common reason for yellow orchid leaves is overwatering. Too much water in the pot prevents the roots from absorbing the necessary nutrients from the soil. Insufficient nutrition causes the leaves to lose their color. Furthermore, excessive water also leads to root rot.
Fixing this issue
Overwatering is nothing uncommon. Usually, plant owners regularly water their orchids to prevent orchid leaves from turning yellow due to water scarcity. However, orchids don’t require much water.
The best to prevent this issue is to check the soil before watering it. If you feel the soil is dry, water it. Otherwise, please wait for a day or two till it asks for water. Orchids have a little tolerance for overwatering.
So, replant your orchid in another pot if the soil feels too soggy.
#2 Uneven Temperature Exposure
Indoor orchids are prone to uneven temperatures as well. The ideal range of temperature for orchids is 27 Celsius to 13 Celsius.
The plant exhibits signs of stress if the environment has a varying temperature. And orchid leaves yellowing is one of them.
Solution To Uneven Temperatures
The best remedy is to keep your plant in a place with a moderate temperature, in short, it needs indirect sunlight. Since orchids are sensitive to temperature, the window placement is not ideal because of temperature fluctuations.
#3 Problematic Fertilization
Pot plants have limited soil. Therefore, you need to fulfill the nutrients required by using fertilizers. If you are not using one, your orchids will grow deficient in nutrients and develop yellow leaves.
Contrastingly, excessive fertilizer is also a cause of orchid leaves turning yellow. Yes, plants need additional nutrients like calcium, magnesium, etc. However, excessive amounts prevent your orchid from absorbing iron which diminishes its color.
Fixing Fertilization
There are different approaches to solve fertilization issues. Try to pick an ‘orchid fertilizer’ specifically and follow the given directions.
If you are going with regular fertilizers, dilute their concentration to half or one-fourth. As orchids don’t need heavier feeds, it is best to fertilize them infrequently.
#4 Environmental Change
‘Why are my orchid leaves turning yellow since I brought them home?’ Almost every buyer asks this question when they first buy orchids.
While changing the position may be suitable for other plants, orchids are a bit choosey. They react to environmental changes, and orchid yellow leaves are one way to express it.
Solving Environmental Change Issues
Moving your orchid is almost inevitable. However, knowing a tip or two will help you deal with orchid leaves turning yellow fittingly.
If the yellow leaves are due to environmental change, they will soon recover their beauty. You have to wait until the orchid adjusts. Usually, the adjustment period is about two weeks.
To smoothen the process, you can ensure it gets a suitable climate. Try placing it in a place away from direct sun and excessive moisture.
5. Hard Water
Hard water is an unseeable cause of yellow orchid leaves. It contains a higher chlorine content which is difficult for the plant to absorb.
Moreover, hard water also limits the orchid’s ability to intake the necessary micronutrients, resulting in yellow leaves.
Fixing Water Issues
The best way to fix this problem is to test the water before use. If you are using tap water to water your orchid, exam it to ensure it doesn’t contain too much chlorine. Also, you can install a water filter or use rainwater.
#6 Diseases
Just like all other plants, orchids are prone to diseases as well, which can be the reason for orchid leaves turning yellow. Diseased orchids develop unsightly yellow patches, which are distinguishable from the yellowness in other cases.
- Bacterial Disease: The bacterial infection causes dirty yellow or brownish spots on the leaves. These diseases mainly occur in hot and humid environments. If untreated, they can spread to the entire plant.
- Fungal Infection: When it’s a fungal infection, the leaves of your orchid start yellowing on the underside. Usually, the disease is undetectable because it originates in the inner parts. If it remains untreated for a long time, the leaves blacken entirely and fall.
Preventing Diseases
To save the rest of the plant, you can clip away the infected leaves and cleanse the plant with an anti-fungal or anti-bacterial spray. Since orchids are sensitive to infections, inspect them closely once in a while to ensure no diseases occur in the less visible areas.
Other Causes Which Result in Orchid Leaves Turning Yellow
In addition, to the reasons listed above, some other factors may cause yellow orchid leaves.
Underwatering: Similar to overwatering, underwatering also results in yellow leaves. Water scarcity can cause the roots to dry and ultimately affect the whole plant.
You can fix it by soaking the plant’s root for 20 to 30 minutes in lukewarm water. Or, you can put 2 to 3 ice cubes in the potting medium.
Improper Drainage: Water accumulation in the planting medium causes the roots to rot. Therefore, ensure that your pot has a drain hole at the base.
Humidity: Excessive environmental moisture also leads to orchid leaves turning yellow. For that, you can adjust the humidifiers to an optimal value. Most orchids do well in 40 to 60% humidity levels.
However, it depends upon the species. Alternatively, you can use water trays to keep the roots from absorbing excess moisture.
Plant Or Leaf Age: If your orchid has seen its shining days, it will need a rest now. Orchid leaves turn yellow when they age. Unfortunately, it is an inevitable process.
Wrap Up
Orchid leaves turning yellow is nothing uncommon. Although commonly, it indicates a life cycle ending, it may also be a sign of some flaws in your plant care strategies.
Orchids are sensitive plants that react to extreme conditions like:
- overwatering,
- temperature stresses,
- nutrient deficiency,
- humidity, etc.
Fortunately, there is a remedy to each of these problems. This post was all about saving your yellowing orchid. Don’t let the beauty of your orchids wilt for careless reasons. Ensure a healthy watering and fertilizing schedule so they can bloom best.
Happy Planting🌸
