Random Deaths
 

I have had a few of my plants now that just suddenly died. One i wasn't surprised because my brother gave it to me and it was dehydrated when i got it, and same with the second. But this one i don't understand. First this plant grew tow new babies at the base (not kiekes) but the tips of the new plants are already brown and dried. Then it bloomed again, but only for about a week, then dropped its flowers and about a month later now looks like this:

Can you post a better photo like put the orchid in front of you and take one of the profile view ?

ok, so here is a better picture.... All of the yellow leaves fell off when i was moving it to take this picture.

I'm not sure why it insists on only uploading these tiny thumbnails.....

I am sure that someone is going to come along soon to tell you whats wrong with this plant. I do not know for sure but I like to look at the photos and see the responses in case it happens to me :)

It looks to me as though it is an Oncidium type intergenric, and the yellow leaves are all attached to one pseudo bulb. This could just be old age for that pseudobulb. The others all look green and healthy. Have you checked the roots?

I would agree with Hedge... except that you mentioned that new growths already had brown leaves... :hmm not sure at all, but maybe the brown tips on the new leaves are unrelated to this on the older one.

I'm wondering if the brown tips are a sign of too much fertiliser which I understand is how some of these Onc types display a dislike of the fertiliser levels.

I would agree it's a good idea to check the roots, also do you regularly flush the pots with clear water to wash away build up of fertiliser salts (about once a month is advised).

I really don't know about that bulb with the fully yellow leaves though, hope someone else can chime in.

Hi Tosh,

As Rosie said it could be from to much feeding, it could also be from a lack of water - just being kept more drier then it would like to be.

However, I would have to question the bulb and leaf going at the same time. Normally the bulbs last a very long time once they drop the leaf (even years for some) in my exprience.

When was the last time you repotted this orchid?

Does the bulb feel bubbly and soft?
If so, it you're looking at rot. This doesn't mean the whole orchid will go, it can be saved within time, so don't panic.

Give a check of the root zone, take some more photos if you can, abit closer to the insides of the base of the plants and roots.

I would suspect a problem with the roots. You might want to consider repotting.

Leaves also go brown at the tip if the air is too dry, or in a draught, or as has been mentioned the roots are rotting - as the roots can't take up the water, the leaves dehydrate. So a root check is essential, plus a repot and then check your humidity and increase to at least 55% for ambient temperatures around 60-65 degrees F