---
title: "I was wondering why my phalaenopsis orchid stems at the top were…"
description: "I was wondering why my phalaenopsis orchid stems at the top were turning yellow, Delilah (my orchid) flowered a long time ago and really large new leaves began…"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/JmTUi1iSQr6-tX35luAMXQ/zfs8LwBcXtS1MGw7vcC7Wk"
community: "The Orchid Oasis"
author: "Ophelia"
published: "2025-01-18T08:54:19.427487Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/13wGur6w2QjUaVN8qm2w_e-2t1XMQhayujIonMcfwig/OICKIbwGRWeAzf4Odl20Pw.webp?size=large"
---

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# I was wondering why my phalaenopsis orchid stems at the top were…

_Posted by Ophelia on 2025-01-18_

I was wondering why my phalaenopsis orchid stems at the top were turning yellow, Delilah (my orchid) flowered a long time ago and really large new leaves began to start growing on the stems a few moths prior. Then I though she was re-flowering but then her stems went yellowish. I cut them back but the yellowness kept spreading, and I am not sure if it is a result of root rot but I cannot find that as one of the listed symptoms. I really have no idea what is going on and at the moment I hardly have enough time to do anything (the joys of stress) so if there is a really quick easy fix that will be so helpful. Thank you.

![Attachment 1 of 5](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/13wGur6w2QjUaVN8qm2w_e-2t1XMQhayujIonMcfwig/OICKIbwGRWeAzf4Odl20Pw.webp?size=large)

![Attachment 2 of 5](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/13wGur6w2QjUaVN8qm2w_e-2t1XMQhayujIonMcfwig/_calsAnDQSyE8aqNVCpnBw.webp?size=large)

![Attachment 3 of 5](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/13wGur6w2QjUaVN8qm2w_e-2t1XMQhayujIonMcfwig/ILrNtY_7Q-C4CTNndSLbZQ.webp?size=large)

![Attachment 4 of 5](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/13wGur6w2QjUaVN8qm2w_e-2t1XMQhayujIonMcfwig/MHBAo8yTRYiImD0Ou8fL0g.webp?size=large)

![Attachment 5 of 5](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/13wGur6w2QjUaVN8qm2w_e-2t1XMQhayujIonMcfwig/cUmc8hVVS8O0dTKcU0vdrw.webp?size=large)

## 5 comments

### Ophelia commented on 2025-01-18

Also, if anyone has any recommendations for grow lights that will be really helpful.

### MeasomerPi commented on 2025-01-20

Phals will shed inflorescences so it’s natural for it to die back at some point. I wouldn’t worry about it too much. Hopefully it sticks around for a while though because those leaves are a keiki (a baby clone of your plant). It looks like it still needs time to develop before you remove from the mother. I like for it to have at least 2” of leaf development and 2” or root development before detaching.

From the photos, the media looks a little ripe. How long has the plant been in it? Some of the roots on the surface look dead but I cannot really tell what’s going on inside the pot. If you are really concerned about root rot, pop it out of the pot to take a look. If the roots are firm, green, yellow or silvery-white that are alive and healthy. Anything brown or black, papery or mushy are dead and should be removed.

#### Ophelia replied on 2025-01-20

Thank you so much this is really helpful. I also was concerned about the base of her stem (last photo) as it was a brown/goldy colour. Thank you again.

#### MeasomerPi replied on 2025-01-20

The lighter color at the base is probably due to the lower leaf blocking light to that portion. Unless it begins spreading or is soft / mushy, I wouldn’t be overly concerned.

### Ophelia commented on 2025-01-23

Thank you so much, I was really worried, and I have a lot of unwell people in my family at the moment I do not have time for any of my plant babies to be unwell. Thank you!!

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