What Causes the Yellowing and Drying of Orchid Leaves?
Here are some common plant cultivation tips regarding the causes of yellowing and drying of orchid leaves and a detailed introduction to five aspects.
Yellowing of orchid leaves is a common phenomenon, mostly physiological diseases. It not only damages the integrity and ornamental value of the leaves but also severely affects the healthy growth of the orchid plant, even leading to premature decline of the whole plant. The situation of yellowing and browning of orchid leaves is complex, with the overall cause being improper cultivation and care. Let's take a look at the causes of yellowing orchid leaves.
Yellowing Caused by Improper Watering
Water Deficiency: Orchids prefer a humid growing environment. Prolonged water deficiency or low air humidity can lead to yellowing leaves. In such cases, it is necessary to water the orchids moderately and replenish water promptly after the soil dries. In dry summer conditions, you can place a bowl of water next to the plant or spray water to increase air humidity.
Waterlogging: Excessive water accumulation at the bottom of the orchid pot can affect the entry of oxygen. In an oxygen-deficient state, the orchid's roots cannot absorb nutrients normally, leading to yellowing and drying of the leaves. In less severe cases, you can promote water evaporation by elevating the pot or loosening the soil. In more severe cases, you need to remove the orchid from the pot, cut off the rotten roots, and replant it in new soil.
Yellowing Caused by Inappropriate Light
Orchids have stringent light requirements. Insufficient light can lead to poor plant growth, while strong light can easily burn the leaves, causing them to turn yellow and fall off. This is especially common in hot summers. Place orchids in a position with diffused light, allowing them to receive adequate sunlight while maintaining healthy green leaves. After leaf burn, promptly move the orchid to a shaded and well-ventilated area, add more water, and wait for the leaves to recover gradually.
Yellowing Caused by Incorrect Fertilization
Orchids do not like heavy fertilization. Over-fertilization can easily cause fertilizer damage, leading to blackened roots and yellowing leaves, which can result in the plant's death. Generally, apply thin fertilizers frequently, use less compound fertilizers, and opt for safe slow-release fertilizers. When placing slow-release fertilizers, keep them away from the orchid's roots, as proximity can burn the rootstock and lead to yellowing leaves. Using only nutrient-poor hard substrates, such as planting with only植金石, can cause severe water and nutrient deficiencies, leading to "starvation yellowing" in orchids, characterized by yellowing starting from young leaves and tender stems, eventually spreading to the entire plant until death.
What Causes the Yellowing and Drying of Orchid Leaves?
Yellowing Caused by Pests and Diseases
Especially in summer, when the weather is hot and humid, orchids can easily be affected by diseases and pests. Initially, only some leaves may turn yellow and dry, but it can eventually spread to the entire plant. Therefore, it is essential to take this very seriously, detecting and treating it as early as possible.
Yellowing Caused by Metabolism
Orchid growth requires the replacement of old leaves with new ones as the plant grows. Due to the need for new leaves, old leaves will not continue to grow and will turn yellow and wither from the tip, eventually falling off. This is part of the orchid's normal metabolism, and there is no need to worry.
The above information covers the causes of yellowing and drying of orchid leaves and provides a comprehensive explanation of the five common aspects. I hope it serves as a starting point to solve your plant-related problems.