Yellow Leaves on Odontocidium

[Arkatrine]

Last Sunday I went on a trip out of town, and when I left my orchids were just fine. I returned Friday to find my Odontocidium with yellowed leaves.

I'm not sure what's wrong with them, if they're just old or diseased. Even the new growth is starting to turn yellow. I recently repotted this one, and took care of some nasty looking roots, but it doesn't seem like this would have any effect on him since it was about a month ago.

I'd really like some advice before I try to take care of it myself. You can click the images to make them larger. Thanks in advance!

[RobS]

Is it a new plant in your collection? It does look like aging which can be enhanced by repotting or changing conditions. I wouldn't worry to much just try to get it reestablished again, I had some of my plants react in a similar way after which they recovered.

[WhiteRabbit]

Looks like bract foliage on an older growth is just dying off. The bract foliage protects new growth as it develops, and developing spikes if there are any. The foliage on top of the pbulb will also die off after time, but will usually live quite a bit longer than the bracts.

[Arkatrine]

Rob, this one is the one I've had longest, since mid November, and its moved back and forth with me all year. I'm not sure how old it is, but I did repot it in early July, so that might have caused it.

WhiteRabbit, should I just let it stay there until it's completely dead? Also the new growth is starting to die, so I'm getting concerned for it.

[WhiteRabbit]

I ususally leave it til it comes off easily, or falls off naturally.
If new growth is dying that is cause for concern, you might want to check the roots. Is the new growth drying up or looking like it's rotting?

[Arkatrine]

It looks like it's drying, it hasn't turned yellow yet but it's curling up and drying out in places.

[WhiteRabbit]

hmm ... well, could be not enough water - or conversely over-watering causing roots to rot, and then the plant can't take up any moisture.

Probably would be a good idea to check the roots.
Also - what type of media is it potted in, how often do you water?

[Arkatrine]

It's potted in coconut fiber, and I water about once a week, and mist when I remember to.

I checked the roots for rot, and got rid of the suspicious looking ones, but I'm still not sure about how roots should look/feel so some might have gotten missed.

[RobS]

Typically the healthy roots are firm when you gently squeeze them and are often green when wet.

[WhiteRabbit]

I haven't noticed Oncidium roots 'greening' when wet much, tho maybe they do and I haven't noticed lol

but yes, should be firm - don't worry if you missed some that were dead. Mostly I was wondering if there were good roots on the plant ...