--- title: "why is my vanilla bean orchid new leaf turning brown and can i use…" description: "why is my vanilla bean orchid new leaf turning brown and can i use tap water to water it and what soil should i use for it" url: "https://getplanta.com/community/JmTUi1iSQr6-tX35luAMXQ/gdr4rh6aRfWAmhZsBeyPZA" community: "The Orchid Oasis" author: "budthegoat28" published: "2024-04-02T00:15:58.104383Z" language: "en" image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/6vmExR4ooJKTo2or-mYsgbFRSOb9XAOh5kgBUwlyy-Y/XwnG5zVuREmfIsV-jrOk5Q.webp?size=large" --- [Community](https://getplanta.com/community.md) / [The Orchid Oasis](https://getplanta.com/community/JmTUi1iSQr6-tX35luAMXQ.md) # why is my vanilla bean orchid new leaf turning brown and can i use… _Posted by budthegoat28 on 2024-04-02_ why is my vanilla bean orchid new leaf turning brown and can i use tap water to water it and what soil should i use for it ![Attachment 1 of 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/6vmExR4ooJKTo2or-mYsgbFRSOb9XAOh5kgBUwlyy-Y/XwnG5zVuREmfIsV-jrOk5Q.webp?size=large) ## 8 comments ### LearningPlantMom commented on 2024-04-02 Yes you can use tap water. As far as the soil, you should use organic orchid potting bark. The brown leaf could mean that the orchid was not being watered for a prolonged period of time. #### LearningPlantMom replied on 2024-04-02 You should keep your orchid in bright sun, but not direct, and water about once every two weeks ish ### MeasomerPi commented on 2024-04-02 Not sure why it’s brown but it doesnt look like anything good will come of it. I would remove ASAP, cutting back to where you no longer see dying tissue. I use tap water for all my orchids, including my vanilla. My area has hard water which can lead to salt build up on media. To combat, I flush my plants monthly to wash away accumulated salts. Vanilla orchids like more moisture than most of its brethren. Most suggested mix ratios are similar to aroid- one part perlite, one part orchid bark, one part soil, with variations adding coconut coir and/or sphagnum. It should drain quickly but hold moisture. Keep in mind that as you vanilla matures, it will loose the roots in the media and rely on the arial roots for water intake. #### budthegoat28 replied on 2024-04-07 whats that on my vanilla bean orchid leaf ![Attachment 1 of 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/6vmExR4ooJKTo2or-mYsgbFRSOb9XAOh5kgBUwlyy-Y/zBHJqdDSSlCXQQbfuoNXRA.webp?size=large) #### budthegoat28 replied on 2024-04-07 and it hasnt been growing new leaves so whats wrong with my vanilla bean orchid #### MeasomerPi replied on 2024-04-07 The photo of the leaf is too blurry to see detail clearly. It kinda looks like pitting one the leaf. Are there any wet looking areas? Is it just the one leaf that’s been affected? What happened with the tip? How long have you had the plant? How much light is it getting? How often do you water? How do you water? What kind of media are you growing it in? What’s the temperature of its growing space? What’s the humidity? Vanilla orchids are typically grown in greenhouses to achieve the humidity levels they need to thrive. Those of us growing them in our homes have an uphill battle. #### Splashtn Kutchr replied on 2024-04-08 I had to get a humidifier for my plants and they’re thriving! ### AshleyNicole commented on 2026-08-12 Personally I've been using rain water for all my plants and they seem to be doing really well. This is my first time owning Vanilla Bean Orchids so I'm not sure how well they do with tap water. --- _Source: the Planta community (https://getplanta.com). Reading is open to everyone. To post, comment and like, get the Planta app: https://getplanta.com/download_