Plant guide:ðŸŒļ Orchid
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Leaves

Yellowing Leaves on Orchids

Commonly affects: Phalaenopsis spp. and other Orchidaceae (Orchid)

A leaf turns yellow, sometimes starting from the base and progressing along its length, before eventually dropping.

Potential Causes

  1. 1Natural ageing — orchids shed their oldest, lowest leaf occasionally as part of normal growth
  2. 2Overwatering causing root stress that shows up as leaf yellowing
  3. 3Too much direct sun causing stress-related yellowing
  4. 4Underlying root rot reducing the plant's ability to support all its leaves

Solution Steps

  1. 1Accept a single lower leaf yellowing occasionally as normal, especially if it's the oldest leaf and roots look healthy
  2. 2Check watering practice and root health if yellowing is more widespread or affects newer leaves
  3. 3Move out of direct sun into bright, indirect light
  4. 4Address any root rot found, since it's often the underlying driver of broader yellowing

Prevention Tip

One old leaf yellowing and dropping now and then is completely normal — investigate further only if it's widespread or affecting newer growth.

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