Yellowing leaves on Phals

[alannanoelle]

I have 3 out of my 4 phals with yellowing leaves right now! As far as I know, an old leaf will often die when a new one grows, is that correct? This first one has just started growing a new leaf, so I am not too worried about it.


This second one is the one I just posted about below regarding the new growth on the stem. It has not grown any new leaves since I adopted the plant.


This last one is my 3' + tall Phal. It is still in bloom, and the last bud just opened. It has not grown any new leaves since I have had it either.



As far as you can tell, are they all okay? Should I be concerned that I am losing so many leaves? The last one already lost a tiny, old leaf about a week ago, and the second one lost another leaf about a month ago.

Thanks for your advice!

[kiki-do]

I can't get the pictures to open for me. Sorry.

[alannanoelle]

I'm not sure why they aren't working...they seem to work fine for me. Here is the link to my album - Picasa Web Albums - Alanna - orchids
The first three photos are the ones I'm referring to.

Thanks!

[Shirley]

Alanna, Since, in each case, it is the oldest leaf that is dying, everything might be OK. Have you repotted recently? It might be worth while to unpot and check the roots in case they're starting to rot, perhaps from overwatering or breakdown of medium.

[camille1585]

I saw the pictures (which show up for me in the post!), and since the yellowing seems to concern only the bottom leaf of each plant, I'd say there is nothing to worry about. Sometimes a new leaf may appear quite a while after the plant lost a leaf. Depends on the individual plant. I agree with Shirley that if you haven't repotted in a while, taking a peek at the roots might be a good idea, just to make sure nothing bad is going on down there.