Leaves on Young Orchids Pseudobulb turn yellow

[milan360]

Hi Guys,

I've been away from the forum for sometime. Been caught up with work.

Just an update on a small pot of dendrobium that I bought back in October. It's one of those 6 inch diameter pots from IKEA.

Going strong till today, A couple of new shoots sprouted months back to my delight. My watering schedule is like once every 2 - 3 days. I fertilise lightly every other week.

Temperature here is hot. 32 degrees celcius with 70% humidity. Plant is kept indoors with the nearest window open for circulation.

However recently , the new pseudobulbs (2 young ones) were growing fine until the leaves started turning yellow and soft. Not dry type of yellow but the soft kind.

Anyone has any idea why? Seems to me everything is going fine. The pot is still where it is, watering schedule didnt change but the leaves of the young plant is getting yellow/brownish and soft.

The 3 main pseudobulbs (ones that were already mature when I bought the plant) look fine except for 1 that shed a lower leaf a coupla weeks back.

Anyone have experience on young shoots that hit a plateau after a while and start yellowing? Seems to me they aren't growing anymore. The 'stem' isn't becoming thicker whatsoever.

best regards,

Milan360

[estación seca]

That's a lot of water for your conditions. Most people decide to water orchids by looking at them rather than using the calendar.

I suspect the roots are rotting. You should take the plant out of the pot and inspect the roots. If a lot are dead, you should cut them off, and put the plant into a new pot with new medium. Many people recommend the smallest pot possible for repotting sick Dendrobiums.

Then perhaps water less. Let the plant become almost dry before watering again. You can read how to tell when the center of the pot is dry here:

Using skewers to determine when to water

[bil]

I do like melting a hole in the side of the pot near the bottom, and shoving a skewer in horizontal. Boy, but that really tells it like it is.