So I’ve had this plant for a while now, and I’ve always thought that it was a Moth Orchid, please correct me if I’m wrong 😊 I was watering a bit today and I saw the yellow leaf. I know that it’s normal for longer living orchids to have yellowing leaves. Should I pluck it off so there can be new growth? Also, should I repot this? 🫶🏻
It looks like a Phalanopsis to me and a lovely one at that. There a all sorts of schools of thought on whether to remove yellowing leave or not. Personally I let leaves whither and dry. Honestly I don’t think there is a wrong way as long as the plant is healthy. It is a little concerning that it has so few leaves. Make sure it’s getting enough light. Bright indirect is best. No direct sunlight. Your roots look reasonably healthy. If you haven’t repotted it since getting the plant, then I would say it’s time. The roots want fantastic air circulation and a broken down mix will not do that. I use bark because I love (water) my plants to death. If you are tighter on the watering you can add sphagnum to your mix. Good luck!
1 like Thank you! What would you suggest for potting?
0 likes If it were mine… I would repot now. The blooms probably will drop. But a healthy plant will bloom again next year. I would remove all the old media. Be gentle and take it slow. The roots are brittle. Don’t worry if you break some. Orchids are beautifully resilient. Remove all dead or dying roots. They are lack or brown and papery or mushy. Healthy roots are firm and green when wet, silvery when dry. Use good tool hygiene so you don’t spread anything. If you put it back in its old pot, I would wash it thoroughly. I would also add holes. I like to use a soldering iron. I would use orchid bark. I don’t like the mixes that come with peat or other additives. If you need a mix that holds more moisture, mix in up to 50% sphagnum. Work it gently amongst the roots. Don’t pack it. The key to orchids is air around the roots. They like water but love for their roots to dry out. There are some wonderful resources online. I find Miss Orchid Girl on YouTube particularly helpful. And she had posted a ton of information.
1 like Thank you, this is very helpful
1 like