Yellow leaves - Orchid Board

jessi382 · #1 07-07-2013, 04:04 PM

Hello! I just had a few questions about my orchid. I received an orchid a few months ago and about a month ago it began slowly losing its flowers. I did some research and found out that phalaenopsis orchids go into rest periods and rebloom again. When all the flowers died I cut the sticks at the base like I was told to do so. I repotted it in orchid bark and the roots seem good. However there are a few silver roots at the top and I'm not sure what that means. The leaves look good they are green and there are 6 leaves. However, one of the middle leaves got really yellow and fell off. It is not in direct sunlight so I do not know why this happened. Also I was wondering how long it takes for an orchid to rebloom? Any advice would help! Thank you
Jess

james mickelso · #2 07-07-2013, 04:30 PM

One or two slowly yellowing leaves especially after it has finished flowering is not an issue. Phals have no pseudo bulbs to store energy/food in and so store it in their leaves. It flowered and this is normally the cause. It was in perfect health until it left the grower and then it has been downhill ever since. Long story but those silver roots on top are normal. Just don't over water it. That will surely kill it. Over watering is the most frequent cause of death in the domestic orchid growing culture. Post some more and when you get to 5 posts you can post a couple of pictures so we can help you further.

jessi382 · #3 07-07-2013, 04:32 PM

Thank you for replying! Should I apply cinnamon where the leaf fell off...also how long does it take for it to rebloom?

Brooke · #4 07-07-2013, 04:34 PM

If you lost a leaf in the middle of the Phal it usually means you have a slight infection on the stem. Pour some drug store peroxide on the stem to make sure the infection doesn't spread to the main stem.

It is usually caused by trapped water at the leaf junction and if you only lose the one leaf, your Phal should be fine.

Brooke

james mickelso · #5 07-07-2013, 04:41 PM

Phals usually will bloom when they are good and ready. I know, that sounds flippant but it is true. Given good culture of light, warmth, and proper feeding, it could happen in a couple months. But that depends on how well you care for it and what species it's background parents were. I have one growing a new spike which just finished blooming a month ago and another that hasn't bloomed since last year. Same culture. Just different lineage. Once you get it out of that moss it came in and into some good well draining media, learn when to water it, it'll do just fine. Redding is hot and dry so careful watering once repotted is a must. Just don't drown it now,.

jessi382 · #6 07-07-2013, 04:58 PM

Thank you! Now should I completely let it dry out before watering it? And should I do anything to the area that the leaf fell off..peroxide or cinnamon?

james mickelso · #7 07-07-2013, 05:41 PM

Leave it alone. It will heal itself but get no water on it, Just water the surface of the media. Phals do well with wet/dry cycles. Not completely dry but nearly so. I wait until the plant is completely dry, lift it to guage it's dry weight, then water it thoroughly. Let it drain a couple minutes and then lift it again and judge it's wet weight. When it is just dry, then I water again. In no time at all you will be able to tell to the day when to water. I only water most of mine weekly in summer. I don't know where you live but here at the beach on the left coast it stays about 65*f day and 60*f at night with average 50% humidity. Your mileage may vary. No need to put H2O2 or cinnamon on it. As long as you don't get any water on the wound it will heal itself.

jessi382 · #8 07-07-2013, 06:36 PM

Thank you so much!!

jessi382 · #9 07-07-2013, 10:24 PM

I have just one more question...I closely looked at my roots and I have 1 that is really good..it's pure green and solid...the other ones seem mushy and black and a few are solid and have string like things coming out of them. Is that a bad sign? The silver ones at the top are ok for the most part but one looked like it dried out at the end...thanks for all ur help!

james mickelso · #10 07-08-2013, 12:16 AM

You can post pictures now that you have 5 posts. Pictures help immensely. In what typew media is it potted? How often do you water it? Are the roots below the media soft and black/ or brown? Lots of questions but pictures tell us a lot. The aerial roots are the same as those under the medias. they just aren't old enough to soak up much moisture yet. When they are under the media they become saturated with water and readily accept water when it is available. As these top roots become mature they will do the same.