Yellowing leaves and possibly yellowing roots.. What do I do?!

[Jaebird113]

Hello, I'm very new to orchid care. I just got a phalaenopsis orchid in February for Valentine's, and have been trying to do all the research I can to take good care of it.
Everything seemed to be okay, the flowers bloomed a while until early spring came and they drooped and proceeded to drop.
The leaves still looked healthy, and I was finally able to repot it since the blooms had dropped. I repotted it in some miracle gro orchid mix, and watered once a week or so.
I'm not sure if I have it the right spot for lighting.
Anyhow, just in the last few days did I notice that the bottom leaves on left and right are yellowing, and one came off completely. Another one in the middle has begun to yellow on one side.
I lifted the clear pot of of the decorative one to check it's roots, though im not sure what I'm looking for, and the roots are a mix of yellow and green.
Just want to know what it is I could be doing wrong, if there's anything I can do to save it from dying.
Thank you so much (:

[Optimist]

Hi! February was several months ago, like 6. Phalenopsis orchids blossom once a year. and the blooms can last 3-5 months or so. Quite a long time for a flower. The orchid then will lose its flowers, the spike will go dry and you can safely cut it off, and some things will happen like it will lose a bottom leaf or two.


Check the online resources and make sure your light is good, your air flow is good, and you understand watering. Once a week "or so" might be too much. You kind of have to think "Cactus" when you think about phals.

Light is usually a few feet away from a really bright window.

You should be okay.

---------- Post added at 07:02 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:56 PM ----------

It is probably not "dying." both leaves and roots will die and it will grow new. These plants do not have, or need many roots, so the roots also go through a life-cycle, some will be old and sloughing off, others will be new and just starting to grow. These plants grow Slowly and not like other plants most people are used to. One new leaf a year and a few roots is good.

---------- Post added at 07:03 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:02 PM ----------

Hope that cheers you up!

[Jaebird113]

Well, February was only 3 months ago, the blooms fell off in April. Also, there are three leaves that have yellowed. Two bottom ones and one that is second or third from the bottom beggining to yellow.
Also, want to know about proper watering and lighting. Because the third leaf that is yellowing is only yellowing on one side.
Have already read up on watering, but there a few different methods. Wanted to hear from real people who have experienced similar issues who now know what to do. Also, I live in michigan. Weather here can be unpredictably cold. Maybe there are some tips for caring for orchids in my environment.

[wintergirl]

Welcome to OrchidBoard I live in Northern Indiana. I keep my orchids inside. Phals like a warmer environment so if you are planning to have them outside wait until summer. When you take your phal out of the deco pot and look at the roots through the plastic, the green color says you have enough water. Wait until the roots are white, then water. It is good to keep your phal out of the deco pot for a few hours or even a day or two to air out. You are probably keeping your orchid too wet and that is why you are loosing leaves. Also phals do not like direct sunlight, so a shear curtain or keep it back away from the window is good. If you have questions about your orchids a picture is the most help. You need a couple more posts then you can put up a photo if you like. A good link for new phal owners is: The Phal abuse ends here.

[Orchid Whisperer]

Butter-yellow roots, or white, are not a problem. Yellow just indicates th roots are not getting enough light to stay green.

When you have posted 5 + times, please post a picture of the plant, it will help us determine if the yellow leaves are a problem or not.