What to Do When Cymbidium sinense Leaves Turn Yellow? Find the Right Cause and Solve It Easily

If the peony is delicate and charming and the gardenia is pure, then Cymbidium sinense definitely belongs to the “dark” category. Its common flower colors are generally quite dusky, giving people a sense of mystery. Of course, there are also rare pink, yellow and other colors. In recent years, potted Cymbidium sinense has become popular with many people. Compared with other flowers, it truly has a unique shape and a relatively rich fragrance. During daily care, why does Cymbidium sinense leaf yellowing occur? What is the best thing to do about it?

I. Basic Information About Cymbidium sinense

1. Family, genus and other names: a terrestrial plant of the genus Cymbidium in the family Orchidaceae; also called Baosui Lan.

2. Origin: China, Myanmar, India, Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, etc. It likes to grow in humid environments and is generally commonly found beside streams and under jungle shrubs.

3. Leaf shape: generally strap-shaped, dark green in color and very thick.

4. Flowering period: from October to March of the following year.

5. Varieties: Silver-edge Cymbidium sinense, Golden-mouth Cymbidium sinense, Qihei Cymbidium sinense, Qijian Baimo.

6. Uses: indoor decorative flowers or potted gifts.

II. Causes of Yellowing Leaves in Cymbidium sinense

1. Caused by too low a temperature

It is now the cold winter, and yellowing leaves on Cymbidium sinense are also a relatively common confusion among flower enthusiasts. It is generally caused by frost damage from too low a temperature, especially when the temperature is below 5°C.

2. Caused by overwatering or improper watering methods

If the Cymbidium sinense you grow shows root rot, leaves turning yellow and falling off, or even the whole plant dying, it is very likely caused by overwatering or improper watering methods. Why is that? If there is too much standing water in the soil, the roots cannot carry out respiration and slowly begin to rot, and the leaves cannot absorb water and nutrients. Many people are in the habit of watering from the top, pouring a whole potful down and turning the plant into a “drowned chicken”, which greatly harms new buds and leaves.

3. Caused by overfertilizing

It is easy to make a mistake when growing flowers: thinking that the more fertilizer, the better the flowers bloom, without considering the characteristics of the plant being grown. Cymbidium sinense is not a flower that particularly likes fertilizer. If you give it too much fertilizer, it cannot absorb it, and over time the leaves will turn yellow.

4. Caused by insufficient light or excessive exposure

Cymbidium sinense kept indoors for a long time is very prone to yellowing leaves and is not easy to bloom. Of course, long periods of exposure in summer can also cause leaf scorch, yellowing and falling off.

5. Caused by pests and diseases

If Cymbidium sinense is kept in a dark, damp environment for a long time, it is very prone to pests, and this is also one of the causes of yellowing leaves.

6. Changes in the environment

When a newly purchased Cymbidium sinense has its growing environment changed, its first reaction will show on the leaves.

III. Solutions for Yellowing Leaves in Cymbidium sinense

1. Solution for yellowing leaves in Cymbidium sinense caused by temperature: In winter, take care to prevent frost damage to Cymbidium sinense. During this period, move it indoors for care and keep the indoor temperature no lower than 10°C.

2. Solution for yellowing leaves in Cymbidium sinense caused by overwatering: When watering Cymbidium sinense, you need to master certain techniques. Generally, water along the edge of the pot and do not pour a whole potful onto the Cymbidium sinense plant. At the same time, do not overwater; decide based on soil moisture, and after watering do not expose it to strong sun. In summer, the frequency of watering can be increased, and at the same time appropriately spray water on the leaves to cool them. It is better to water earlier rather than later.

3. Solution for yellowing leaves in Cymbidium sinense caused by improper fertilizing: Fertilizing should be determined according to the growth conditions of Cymbidium sinense. In the slow-growing autumn and winter seasons, generally fertilize less. After fertilizing, be sure to take care not to let it touch the leaves. Usually, do not fertilize too heavily; be sure to fertilize lightly and do not use too high a concentration. After fertilizing, dilute the fertilizer.

4. Solution for yellowing leaves in Cymbidium sinense caused by improper light: Summer light is strong. Generally, it is better to sun it before 9 a.m. and after 4 p.m., and during other time periods it is recommended to move it to a place indoors with diffused light. In spring, autumn and winter, light can be appropriately increased, and placing it on a balcony is fine.

5. Solution for yellowing leaves in Cymbidium sinense caused by pests and diseases: Keep Cymbidium sinense in a ventilated place for care. Generally, diseases can be prevented in advance, and diseased plants should be removed promptly when found. Usually, garlic water can be used for watering; its smell is rather pungent, and insects will stay far away. If pests have already appeared and caused the leaves to turn yellow, then medication is needed for treatment.

6. Solution for yellowing leaves in Cymbidium sinense caused by changes in the environment: Generally, if a newly purchased Cymbidium sinense has yellowing leaves caused by environmental issues, do not worry for the time being. As long as it is cared for reasonably, it can recover.

In summary: if you want to address yellowing leaves in Cymbidium sinense, check against the causes above to see whether these are what is causing it. Care should be careful in daily maintenance, and factors such as soil, water and fertilizer, pests and diseases, and light should meet the required conditions.