What Causes Phalaenopsis Orchid Leaves To Turn Yellow Indoors?

Are you growing Phalaenopsis orchids indoors? If you are, you must be aware of the care and attention that goes to ensure these plants grow healthy. Keep in mind that the appearance of these orchids, especially the colors of the leaves reveals a lot about the health of the plants. However, rest assured that if there is yellowing of the orchid leaves, it doesn’t mean they will die out. It merely says that you need to pay attention to some factors, which play a vital role when it comes to the yellowing of the leaves.

The yellowing of the leaves is actually healthy and a natural phenomenon. Older leaves eventually turn yellow and drop off. The older leaves often have elongated stems and form a mass of roots. The older leaves will be lower on the plant. However, if your Phalaenopsis orchid leaves are turning yellow from the top of the plant, it means there is a problem. In most cases, it is because of the improper positioning of the LED grow lights you install. If the plant appears wrinkled, it means the plant is lacking water and heading towards dehydration.

Yellowing of the Leaves

In some cases, the yellowing of the leaves of the Phalaenopsis means the plant receives less light that needed or has lower temperatures than desired. Yellowing from the bottom says there is nothing to worry about, and the plants are naturally aging.

Check the Light

When exposed to direct sunlight (in the case of an outdoor orchid), the leaves will turn yellow eventually. It is normal to see a white patch along with dark brown spots along with yellow. An excellent tip to remember is to keep the plants in a place that receives indirect sunlight. You can place the orchids on a windowsill that faces away from direct sunlight. However, if you do not have any windows facing that direction, you can also use indoor grow lights such as Dorm Grow LEDs, which ensure the best growth of plants.
These full spectrum LED grow lights help the orchids thrive because they mimic the portion of sunlight that the plants require. When using these lights, make sure the power is sufficient for the orchids; otherwise, they will experience yellowing. The intensity is critical, especially when it comes to maintaining the atmosphere. Placing the grow lights too close to the plant may cause yellowing, so ensure you keep the proper distance between the light and plants.

Ensure the Temperature is Stable
Keep in mind that low temperatures also contribute to the yellowing of the leaves. Never keep the orchids in a room that is below 60F. Keep the thermostat between 65-80F. Also, keep the orchids away from fans, open windows, and other air conditioning vents. Orchids prefer humidity levels that are slightly high, somewhere between 55-75%.

Overwatering Also Contributes To Yellowing
Overwatering leads to root rot, and can also cause the leaves to turn yellow. Water the plants when the top inch of the soil or planting medium is dry. Ensure there are enough holes to allow proper drainage of the water. In case the orchids suffer from root rot, and your plant still has green roots, you should trim the rotted ones and then re-pot the plant. In the first week, you should use a spray bottle and mist the leaves.

Some Diseases Cause Yellowing of the Leaves
Sometimes the yellowing of the leaves is also because of diseases. If the orchid leaves appear spotty, with no smell, it could be a fungal infection. In most cases, fungal diseases begin when the leaves look yellow or spotted on the underside. When these spots appear, the leaves eventually turn black, or brown.
In the case of a foul smell, it means your orchid may be experiencing a bacterial infection. If your orchids have diseases, keep them away from other plants. Use sterile scissors to remove infected leaves and spray some fungicide or a mixture of baking soda and water.
Many factors can contribute to the yellowing of the Phalaenopsis orchid leaves. You have to ensure that you set the right environmental factors for the plants. You should use LED grow lights in the indoor grow area, maintain the temperature, and avoid overwatering.