Leaves turning yellow!

[miss_georgina]

Hello!

I'm having some problems with my orchid!

I've had this orchid for 3 years now, and haven't had any problems until now.

As you can see in the photos, I've a new leaf forming. Since the flowers died back, I have actually had two new leaves, this is the second.

The plant started to outgrow its pot, so I repotted it last week. I have already lost one leaf, but thought this might be normal as sometimes old leaves die as new ones grow. But now I've got two leaves turning yellow and I'm starting to worry.

The soil is moist, but I've only been watering once a week. Maybe it's too moist?

Can I save these leaves somehow?

I hope someone can help!

Georgina

[vjo]

What kind of 'soil' did you plant it in? It looks like regular potting soil. That is a Phal.orchid and it will never live in that.If that is what it is you should repot immediately into a bark mixture made for orchids. If you dont have any on hand unpot it and leave it bare root untill you get some. It is being smothered. If it is a fine bark mixture, it may be too fine, I think it should be chunkier....Jean

[miss_georgina]

Hi Jean,

Thanks so much for your reply.

I repotted it using a specific orchid potting micture bought from my local garden centre? Should I repot but loosen the material slightly?

Can I save the leaves, or have they started to die?

Georgina

[vjo]

Hi Georgina,I dont think you can save the leaves (in fact I know you cant) I dont know about that mix,it just doesnt look right.It should be quite chunky.What you have looks like it could be used on some terrestial orchids. Maybe someone else will chime in here soon with other ideas....Jean

[Paul Mc]

I agree that the mix is too fine. It actually reminds me if Miracle Gro's orchid mix which is a marketing gimmick. Fine grade orchid mixes like what you have are better suited for terrestrial orchids rather than the one you have. The key here is to remember yours is found in nature growing bare root one trees, not in the ground. The roots need to be able to breathe to sustain Itself, this the need for a chunkier and more airy bark mix.

You should try searching for mixes online at trusted orchid vendors, or perhaps at a local nursery that may carry better mixes. There are many variations and each person uses something perhaps slightly different (especially depending upon their watering tendencies and environment), but I personally use a medium grade bark chunk mixed with some perlite and horticultural charcoal.

Unfortunately, those bottom two leaves are goners, but if you just recently repotted it may not be because of the mix or your own care. It's natural for Phals to lose a bottom leaf or two here or there as they grow older. Looks like you have some very good new leaves there, but perhaps a bit too purple from too much sun exposure. Purple tint in most Phals are like a tan for us. Some is good but too much is a bad thing. Should be noted though that not all Phals get this purple coloration.

[Paul Mc]

One other question. Does that pot have any drainage holes? Phals don't like to sit in water as that's not how they grow in nature. Perhaps that's the reason your mix is remaining too moist?

[miss_georgina]

Thankyou!

Well this is the third and fourth leaf to go, so I think it must be to do with me.

I shall move them away from the window, and will take out of the pot to assess the roots. I might put in back into the clear pot I had before. I used a Homebase Westland Orchid Compost mix, which does have some bark in it, but maybe not enough? I did put a lot in, and compact it down, so maybe if I use this but loosen it up a little? The pot at the moment doesn't have holes, so I think I need to take it out, if the roots are wet, let them dry out a little, cut off these leaves and try and get this orchid back to good health!

Any other advice from anyone would be appreciated.

[Paul Mc]

If you would, please post pics of roots before you cut them so we can see them and further assess, but do go ahead and cut any that are withered or mushy. Also, could you spread some if the medium out on a white piece of paper and take a pic? While most orchid mixes do have bark, its the size of the chunks that matters. I'm concerned about the word "compost" being used as to me this means finely ground blend.

[vjo]

Where does she say compost?
....Jean


ahhhh I see it now...sorry Paul

[Paul Mc]

My understanding is that "compost" may be a language difference between our countries, so I just want to see a pic to understand what is being used, lol... No problem at all vjo!