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Yellow and falling orchid leaves

13 years ago

I have two orchids that recently just completely died. They were both flowering beautifully with multiple stems. Soon after the last flower died, the leaves turned yellow and fell off in a matter of days, for each. I didn't change my watering patterns- what happened?

Also, what is the typical timing for watering? I have watered mine weekly for years and it seemed to be fine but someone else told me this might be too much. Also, there is a best way to water and do you have to use plant food? I just use water.

Thank you for your help! These were two beautiful orchid plants so I'll be quite disappointed if in fact they are dead now!

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Comments (4)

velamina
13 years ago
Bernicers, this is a great forum to learn about orchids and most people here are friendly and helpful. I am new to orchids, therefore there are many others here that are more qualified to answer.

What raised a red flag for me was that you didn't mention "repotting", yet you've had your orchid for years. Their media decomposes over time and roots begin to rot.

There's a lot of info out there on how to "repot" your orchids. The experts here might tell you about their chances, how far gone they are and what to do, and hopefully it's not too late.
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highjack
13 years ago
What type orchid is it?

Brooke
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crystalwizard
13 years ago
First of all, orchids don't like wet feet at all. I'm guessing you probably kept the soil too moist and they got root rot.

Secondly, orchids can't grow in regular potting soil, and some types can't grow in soil period. They're air dwelling plants that grow in trees in their natural habitat and you need to use a potting medium composed of fir bark, horticultural charcoal and other ingredients. I don't know what you were using but check your planting mixture

Growing orchids at home is pretty easy, at least for the more popular kinds, but they DO have to be cared for differently than the standard houseplants.

I'll attach a link to this message where you can find more information and specific things to do (and not do).

Here is a link that might be useful: hints on how to grow orchids in the house
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bernicers
Original Author
13 years ago
Thanks everybody! I bought my flowers in the garden district in NY but don't know what kind they are exactly. It seems that I overwatered, even though I didn't change my frequency. With the heat this summer, maybe the plant was retaining more of the water and getting the 'wet feet' rot.

I did just repot one of these in bark and am going to watch it carefully, perhaps doing more misting and trying the tips in the link crystalwizard sent. I've never used fertilizer either in the 5 years I've had orchids but maybe it is worth trying.

A last question- do most orchids flower just once a year or does it vary significantly or can you increase it by better care?

Thanks!
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