It’s normal and natural for older leaves andstems to turn yellowand gradually drop off.
But if all the leaves on your moth orchid are yellow, it could indicate that something is wrong.
Several factors can cause yellow leaves on orchids, including direct sunlight, low temperatures, and root rot.
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New roots will continuously emerge from the stem of healthy plants, eventually forming a mass of roots.
This yellowing is a natural process of the plant to discard the mature leaf to produce a new leaf.
However, if the leaves are yellowing from the top of the plant, there is a problem.
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Try putting your orchid in a place that receives sufficient indirect sunlight.
If you place theplant on a windowsill, make it a north- or west-facing window.
Wrong Temperature
Next, ask yourself if the temperature is right.
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Too-low temperatures can also cause orchid leaves to turn yellow.
Keep the orchid away from open windows, fans, or air conditioning vents.
If you put your orchids outdoors in warmer weather, bring them inside well before temperatures plunge.
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Watering Problems
The plant is most likely dehydrated if the leaves are wrinkled and listless.
If not, check the roots.
Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can, in turn, cause its leaves to turn yellow.
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Onlywater orchidswhen the top one inch of the potting medium is dry and the roots are white.
confirm there are enough holes in the pot to allow proper drainage.
Humidity Issues
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Orchids are tropical plants that require humidity to thrive.
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Most homes aren’t moist enough for orchids.
The preferred humidity range is 40 to 70 percent.
The soil should also be changed if it becomes overly crumbly or smells acidic or foul.
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Feed regularly but lightly.
Ultimately, it will turn black and affect both sides of the orchid leaves.
Use a sterile pair of scissors to remove the affected area.
Spray the plant with a fungicide to help it fight off fungal issues.
Mites are tiny greenish-yellow bugs about the size of a sharp pencil point.
They are fast movers, barely visible to the naked eye.
Thrips have thin bodies and wings and can get bigger than mites, about 1/8-inch long.
Mealybugs can almost get about 1/4-inch long with a white, fuzzy appearance.
you’re able to wash many of these little bugs away with a strong blast of water.
Also, physically wipe the leaves with a water-moistened washcloth or paper towel.
For a significant infestation, spray the plants with ahorticultural oil like neem oilorinsecticidal soap.
The best time to spray them is in the morning.
Keep infected plants away from your healthy plants until the infestation has been remedied.
Environment Change
Transplant shock is a significant environmental change.
Upgrading the size of a container, changing the soil, or root pruning can cause orchid stress.
Allow the plant time to acclimate to its new soil.
Once the plant is unpacked and given fresh, circulating air, itsyoungest leaves should recover.
However, you might lose one or two of the oldest leaves.
To prevent this, ask the plant shipper to include ethylene-absorbing packets when shipping.
This is a standard shipping practice with plants.
Misting does not do much to change the humidity in your home.
Orchids need bright, indirect light to grow, so full shade will not be enough light.
A north- or west-facing window is ideal.
What’s Wrong With My Orchid?.
Orchid Pests and Their Management.
University of Illinois Extension.
