What is wrong with my orchid? The leaves are turning yellow

[brencarte]

I haven’t had this orchid for long and I watered it on thursday a week after its first water and the leaves are turning yellow? I have moved it away from sunlight as I didn’t know if it was too direct but I’m wondering if I have overwatered it and this is a sign of root rot? Would anyone be able to identify what the problem is from the photo attached?

[rbarata]

Originally Posted by brencarte

I have moved it away from sunlight...

Yes, it looks like sunburn. The plant seems to be a Phalaenopsis which is a low light plant (shade).

[brencarte]

Will it resolve itself now that i have moved it away from my window or have i killed it? The sunlight doesn’t directly shine into my window until sunset so does that mean the sunlight is too strong even then?

[Roberta]

First, Welcome!

It doesn't want direct sun ever. So move it back from the window. That leaf will drop, but as long as it has some relatively good leaves it will be fine.

Now, if you are concerned about roots, good to take a look. Phalaenopsis orchids don't mind being unpotted and repotted when in bloom. So you can gently pull it out of the pot, see the condition of the roots, and the medium. (Often, a newly-purchased one has been in its pot and medium for a long time... nobody pays the grower to repot... and so may need fresh medium right away). If the medium is broken down, you can gently remove what comes off easily, don't worry about what may be stuck on. And then choose the new medium to suit your own watering needs. Sphagnum tends to stay wet, so it's good if you can only water once a week or so. Bark is much more open, it dries out faster, but also gives the roots more air (which they do need) Your goal is "humid air" in the root zone, however you can best provide it.

[Waterdog111]

Being a new member, I hope you see quickly how good the advice here can be. Oh and welcome to the board, always glad to see new members.

[estación seca]

Welcome. Different kinds of orchids have differing temperature, light and humidity requirements. As Roberta mentioned, Phalaenopsis orchids, which is what you have, prefer shade and warmth.

Have a look here at two threads concerning Phals. From the left yellow menu choose Forums then Beginners. Near the top is a sticky thread, The Phal. abuse ends here. Read through the first few pages, until it begins becoming repetitive.

For more detail about Phals., go to the Phalaenopsis - Hybrids forum. At the top is a sticky thread with growing instructions from a highly awarded Phal. breeder.

[Waterdog111]

I just have to say this,although I haven’t even read all about the Phals. They are just about all you can buy here about at the HEB store. I bought a small to average size one with nice blooms to take to my sister(as she’s in a nurseing home) I put it in the window there, and the lady in the bed next to her loved to keep that room as cold as she could, and that window sill sit right above that air conditioner and it made me wish I had a coat on(and I like cold)well that little orchid kept its blooms 3 1/2 to 4 months and then put out another spike and bloomed again. What I’m trying to say is I don’t think they have to be too warm. That little orchid is still alive and with blooms over 6 months. It only get a watering about every two to three weeks.