Yellow leaves on Burr. Nellie Isler 'Pololei Flame' - Orchid Board

libby · #1 07-08-2009, 07:53 PM

I have only had this plant for about 2 weeks and the leaves have been turning more yellow by the day since I got it. I ordered it from a vendor in Hawaii and I live in Texas where the temps have been 100 for the past couple of weeks. I'm sure it is much cooler than that in Hawaii so I am wondering if the heat is causing this or something else. Also, it is planted in sphag. I have been watering it when barely damp, as I have read that these plants do not like to dry out completely. Maybe I am not watering properly? The bulbs look good, not shriveled and no sign of rot. I would greatly appreciate any suggestions.

WhiteRabbit · #2 07-08-2009, 08:09 PM

I'm no expert but the foliage looks burned to me - and unfortunately I have plenty of experience with that right now. I think its getting too much sun. I have never grown onc types in sphag - but if it were mine I would repot out of sphag into bark or coconut husk chips. sphag stays very wet inside the pot - so it can appear to be drying on the outside but inside is wet wet wet. If you do choose to keep it in sphag using a skewer near center of pot would be extremely helpful in checking for dryness. I use skewers in all my orchid pots.

I am sure others will have helpful suggestions

libby · #3 07-09-2009, 11:58 AM

Actually it is not getting any direct sun. It is under shade cloth next to my phals, which are doing very well. I know I need to pot it in something else, but have been afraid to do it right now since the plant is not doing so well. However, since it seems to be getting worse by the day, I guess repotting is not going to make things any worse. I like your idea about the skewers, I will definitely give that a try. Thanks for your suggestions.

nenella · #4 07-09-2009, 04:41 PM

I would get it out of the pot straight away & look at the roots! You can then decide what to do. Take a picture of them if you are not sure.

Ray · #5 07-10-2009, 10:43 AM

As the yellowing seems to be limited to the outer-most leaves surrounding the pseudobulbs, it may be nothing, as dropping them is a fairly normal thing for them to do.

I would definitely confirm that the root system is good, but if so, don't sweat it.

libby · #6 07-10-2009, 03:01 PM

Thanks everybody. I haven't had a chance to take it out of the pot and look at the roots yet, but I will definitely do that this weekend.