Reasons for Yellowing Leaves at the Bottom of Phalaenopsis Orchids and How to Save Them

Whoever grows flowers and plants doesn't hope for a full, bursting pot? Only when it's lively and lush does it look good. However, for some ordinary flowers, once you buy them and give them casual care, they may fulfill your wish for a bursting pot, but if you choose a Phalaenopsis orchid, that's a different story.

Many flower enthusiasts wrote in to report that when they went to the flower shop, they clearly chose a spirited Phalaenopsis orchid, every bloom delicate and dripping with beauty, but just a few days after bringing it home, the flowers began to dry up, the leaves turned yellow, and the whole thing seemed to complain, "How did you raise me into this state?" So, why exactly does this happen? And what should be paid attention to when placing and caring for them at home?

Growing Phalaenopsis orchids in winter has always been a nightmare for flower enthusiasts, because a slight lapse in care can prevent the plant from surviving the winter. In its native habitat, the orchid is a flower that loves a warm and humid environment, so to keep the orchid healthy in winter, you must create a suitable indoor environment.

When caring for them in winter, keep humidity at around 50%-70%. It is recommended to set up a humidity tray, or use an indoor humidifier to let humidity increase naturally. As for light, if conditions allow, let it get 6-10 hours of sunlight per day, preferably indirect light.

Speaking of watering, northern winters have heating, so temperatures are high and moisture evaporates quickly, and the watering frequency may need to be greater than in other seasons. In the south, winter watering should be less than during the growing season. Before watering, check more often whether the medium is dry, and wait until the sphagnum moss is dry before watering thoroughly. If there is too little water, the roots will wrinkle and the leaves will go limp. If bark medium is used, its top layer dries out relatively quickly, and as long as the temperature is not especially low, watering a bit more is fine, but it should not be excessive either. Too much water will turn the leaves yellow and make the roots prone to rot. If the roots really do rot, immediately take the orchid out of the pot to check, use sterilized scissors to cut off the rotten roots, then replant it in fresh, well-draining medium, and be careful with watering from then on.

As for diseases and pests, in winter Phalaenopsis orchids can get red spider mites, aphids and the like. Check frequently for pests and diseases, and if you find insects, use a mild insecticidal soap or a dedicated pesticide solution. Don't make things worse for the plant.