yellow areas on phalaenopsis leaves

[mitchellorchidlady]

I have been growing phalaenopsis' for a dozen years and have about a dozen of them. This is something new for me! There are indented, mottled, yellow areas on two leaves of one of my hardiest, largest, oldest orchids. It's been almost 2 years since I repotted it, it's blooming (always...) but only has about 10 blooms, right now. The yellow has been there for a couple months, anyway, and doesn't get worse or seem to effect the plant's health... Can anyone tell me what it might be? Thank you for your time and expertise!

[glengary54]

Originally Posted by mitchellorchidlady

I have been growing phalaenopsis' for a dozen years and have about a dozen of them. This is something new for me! There are indented, mottled, yellow areas on two leaves of one of my hardiest, largest, oldest orchids. It's been almost 2 years since I repotted it, it's blooming (always...) but only has about 10 blooms, right now. The yellow has been there for a couple months, anyway, and doesn't get worse or seem to effect the plant's health... Can anyone tell me what it might be? Thank you for your time and expertise!

First off, Welcome to the Orchid Board, I'm sure you will enjoy your time here. As to the yellowing leaves, it is hard to say without seeing at least a picture of the plant and some more info on your growing habits and conditions.

[mitchellorchidlady]

Thanks, Glen! I tried to put a photo on but I must be doing something wrong?? I chose a file and clicked upload but nothing happened... If you have any advice, as I'm new to this website, please let me know!! I keep most of my orchids in my bay window, facing ESE, with a shade I put down, whenever the sun comes out. They seem to thrive here, for 6 years. Our house is air conditioned but this room never gets very cool, due to the many windows and cooking, not to mention the 6 members of the family tend to congregate here... I water once a week, in a pot, letting them sit for a few minutes while I get the next one ready, then drain in the dish drainer for five, then back to their spot. This orchid is in a very large pot, on a dinner plate, because it's so large! It really needs to be repotted, again, but I will squish it back into the same pot, if I can (if it would just quit blooming!) It often has 20-30 or more blooms, big ones, too! I wish I could show you the picture... Thanks so much for your help!

[glengary54]

Most times when a photo won't upload it's because the photo is to big, simply reduce the size of the photo and retry.

Phals can be repotted at any time, even when they are in bloom, if you haven't repotted in over 2 years, I would suggest that you get to it soon.

[mitchellorchidlady]

Thank you! It worked!! It won't be 2 years until Dec. so I don't think (?) that's the problem but I can do it, anyway, just in case! Take a look at the photo! Thanks!

[glengary54]

Originally Posted by mitchellorchidlady

Thank you! It worked!! It won't be 2 years until Dec. so I don't think (?) that's the problem but I can do it, anyway, just in case! Take a look at the photo! Thanks!

Most media used for Phals breaks down fairly quickly being that it is keep damp all the time. A good rule of thumb is to repot every year.

The damage on the leaf, if it is not advancing should not pose a problem other then aesthetically. It looks to be cell damage that could have been caused by a sucking insect or being exposed to direct sun. I would just leave it be, the next leaf that grows on that side of the plant will cover it over.

[keithrs]

I would agree with Glen.

[mitchellorchidlady]

Thank you!!

[Eyebabe]

The unusual paleness and pattern on the leaf makes me suspicious for virus.
In this situation, it is probably worth a test if you know anyone who might have one.
You can also send a sample to Critter Creek.