Orchid leaves turning yellow: find the cause and you can solve it effectively
The ancients said: “Orchids grow in secluded valleys, and do not fail to be fragrant because no one is there”, which is enough to show the elegance and purity of orchids. This is also why ancient scholars and writers loved orchids and often compared them to the gentleman among flowers. Nowadays many plant lovers are also fond of orchids and often plant them in home courtyards, living rooms or bedrooms. In the specific process of orchid care, yellowing leaves often occur. What causes it? What should be done? How can orchids be grown well? Let us learn about it together below.
Generally speaking, there are several main reasons why orchid leaves turn yellow. As long as solutions are taken for these reasons, the problem of yellowing leaves is easy to solve.
I. Causes of orchid leaves turning yellow
1. Improper light
Why is it said that orchid leaves turning yellow is due to improper light? This is mainly based on the growth habits of orchids. Orchids like semi-shaded environments, and light that is too strong or too weak can cause leaves to turn yellow. For example, exposure to the sun in summer causes leaves to dry out and turn yellow, or being placed in a place without light for a long time causes nutrients to be insufficient and leaves to turn yellow.
2. Improper watering
The growth of orchids cannot be separated from daily watering. They have high requirements for air humidity and like relatively moist environments. If watered too much, water will accumulate in the pot, which will naturally rot the roots and cause leaves to turn yellow; if the air is too dry and watering is insufficient, it will also cause leaves to turn yellow.
3. Improper fertilizing
Applying too much fertilizer will cause leaves to turn yellow. The growth of orchids does not require too heavy fertilizer, and soil that is too fertile easily burns their roots and stems.
4. Caused by pests and diseases
Any plant may encounter pests and diseases during growth. Diseases that generally cause orchid leaves to turn yellow include anthracnose, leaf spot disease, and so on.
5. Natural growth
Natural growth cannot be separated from aging. This is true for people, and also for plants. Therefore, yellowing of orchid leaves is also a natural growth process. With metabolism, new leaves replace old leaves, yellow leaves wither and fall, and green new shoots climb onto the branches.
II. Solutions for orchid leaves turning yellow
1. Solution for improper light: In summer, avoid direct sunlight and pay attention to shading. In spring and winter, provide stronger light, and they can be placed on a balcony.
2. Solution for improper watering: Water according to the actual situation. If the potting soil is too dry, water an appropriate amount; if the potting soil is moist, do not water. In summer, when the air is dry, spray water on the leaves at the appropriate time.
3. Solution for improper fertilizing: Master the key points of fertilizing, fertilize frequently and lightly, and water the next day after fertilizing to dilute the fertilizer
4. Solution for problems caused by pests and diseases: Observe in time. Generally, the occurrence of pests and diseases takes a period of time, and leaves will not turn yellow all at once. If discovered in time, measures can be taken earlier, and naturally the impact will be smaller. Therefore, we also need to learn the disease symptoms and solutions that orchids may encounter at each stage of growth, and treat the problem accordingly.
5. If orchid leaves turn yellow due to natural growth, there is no need to worry too much. Yellowing leaves are a normal phenomenon, as long as they continue to grow.
Summary: There are many reasons for orchid leaves turning yellow. Through the introduction in our article, I believe you already have some understanding. In the daily management of orchids, pay attention to: in winter, keep orchids indoors; in the other three seasons, place them in the open; in summer, pay attention to shading; for watering, grasp the principle of watering when dry and stopping when wet; for fertilizing, apply lightly and frequently. Have you remembered it?