Yellowing leaves on blooming phalaenopsis orchid

[reebs_225]

I have two phalaenopsis orchids that are in full bloom right now. The one with larger flowers has about 8 blooming, with several more to follow. The one with smaller flowers has about 30 blooming on it right now! I'm so proud as this is the first time I've ever had orchids rebloom! However, the leaves on the smaller orchid are yellowing and look sad. Is it using too much of the plant's energy with all of the blooms? The larger orchid's leaves are green and lively. I have been using Miracle Gro Orchid plant food spikes on both plants. Any advice? (pics attached)

[rbarata]

That's normal...leaves don't live forever.
But, from the photos, seems you're underwatering them.

[Ray]

I agree that underwatering appears to be an issue, but I'll add that the plant is desperately in need of repotting, too.

For the time being, so you won't lose the flowers, I'll recommend two things: get rid of the fertilizer spikes and moisten the potting medium more frequently, without flooding it. You might try trickling a little water through it, waiting 15 minutes or so and then repeating that, so it will stay moist longer between waterings.

Once the plant has begun to drop the blossoms, you can consider repotting.

[Paphluvr]

As Ray states, it looks underwatered and in need of a repot. This could also mean that the media is broken down and there are few good roots remaining. If that's the case, no amount of water will rehydrate the plant and could actually lead to further root loss if watered too frequently.