Yellowing of Cymbidium leaves
 

Hi.

I have a standard Cymbidium ( Pink Champagne 'Old Vienna'), and I haven noticed that the leaves, starting at the base of the pseudobulb have started turning yellow. Not dying leave yellow as if they were going to fall off soon. I have it it a south-facing window, and on the windowsill right it front of the glass. Could it be a bit too cold, too much light, or not enough fertilizer? Any information would be appreciated ,as this is my first Cymbidium ( I have had it since last May).

Thanks,
Cam

Hi, Cam - I just have on Cymbidium myself. I've had it a little over a year and during that time I've had a few leaves turn yellow and fall off....they were just old. I don't think yours could be too cold as I understand they are supposed to even be able to handle a light frost sometimes....do you have a picture?

I know some other cymb. growers on here will be able to help you more than I can...

I will post a picture soon. Thats what I thought about the cold too, I also heard they like bright sun in the winter as well.

In case any cym growers read this, I put it in that window spot about three weeks ago. Before it got almost as bright light, but was not in front of the glass. Could it be due to the increase in light and cold too quickly?

As Ethan has mentioned, it's not unusual for cymbids to shed a leaf or two as the months pass--especially at this time of the year when most are just starting to prep for new vegetative growth. I do not think that the shift in location would cause this--I am assuming that you are growing in the home (not in a greenhouse), so given the low angle of our winter sun and the "benefit" of most window glass, there is probably not a great deal of actual increased light. When you say it is cold in the new location, can you give us a temp range? If we are talking 42F to 50F, the plant should be just fine, though it will need a bit less frequent watering.
As mentioned, pictures would be helpful, though it sounds like the normal shedding of old leaves to me.
Adam

As you can see from the first few pictures, the plant has lots of roots, as well as a new growth. From the front, the plant actually looks fine, but when I take a picture of the other side of the pseudobulb, you can see te yellowing. I bought this plant as a large seedling in May of last year.
http://i43.tinypic.com/16hqb07.jpg
http://i42.tinypic.com/an0j9f.jpg
http://i41.tinypic.com/2dqvj7r.jpg
And now the otherside. ( this is the side facing the window).. you can see from the portrait picture that the leaves are green at the top, and turn to yellow. It is a bit more apparent in reality.)
http://i40.tinypic.com/20setco.jpg
http://i44.tinypic.com/2w6fj28.jpg

Oh yes, and about the temperature, Id say it is at the 42- 50 temperature range, depending on how cold it is outside. It is also right by the glass, with no shading from the sun.

Cam,

What you have pictured here appears perfectly normal. Leaves will tend to lighten at the base 2-3" (below the point from which they would normally drop off). If the bulb(s) are firm, relax. All is welL....:waving

CL

Oh good! My plant seems healthy, the pseudobulb is firm and plump.

Thanks!!:biggrin::bowing
Cam

Try checking the Ph And EC of the media within the pot .I think you will find that either the EC is too high or the Ph is not within the 5.5 to 6.5 required range . this is often the cause of early leaf drop . I say this because the leafless bulb should still have some of its leaves . Another possibility is that the nitrogen content of your fertilizer is too low or you are not fertilizing correctly, when a new growth starts and there is insufficient nutrient for it ,the new growth will then draw its requirements from the previous bulb which will then shut down to conserve energy losing its leaves and root system in order to be able to supply the new growth
Also don't be afraid to take the plant out of its pot in order to inspect the root system, this usually gives you a good idea of what happening

Its in a clear pot, and from what I can see, the roots seem fine. The plant is a seedling. Also, since I posted this about a month ago, nothing has changed, and the leaves are still on. Its only thr bottom portion of the leaves that are yellowish.