The leaf of an orchid turned yellow - what does this mean and what to do?

Orchids Are the most popular indoor plants. An unusual appearance, a variety of species allows flower growers to stop their choice on this decorative culture. In addition, caring for orchids is not as difficult as it seems at first. Knowing the features of the structure, development of the flower, they ensure that the plant feels great in any conditions.

The condition of the leaves of a houseplant will tell you a lot. If the leaf turns yellow, then the causes can be diseases and pests. Non-compliance with the rules for caring for a decorative flower is also displayed on the leaf plate. The leaf of the orchid has turned yellow - this is a sign that not everything is in order with the plant.

Content:

• The biological structure of the orchid
• The main diseases and pests, their signs
• How to cure an orchid?
• How to get rid of pests?
• The consequences of improper care.
• Tips for the competent care of orchids.

The biological structure of the orchid

Orchids are perennial herbaceous plants. The flower grows in the upper part of the shoot, where buds are laid in the leaf axils. They give rise to the formation of aerial roots or lateral peduncles. Orchid leaves retain a lot of moisture, so they are thick and leathery.

In other plant species, upward development is suspended at the end of the growing season. In the next season, they form a horizontal rhizome - a rhizome. Flower arrows develop at the base of the shoot or at the top. And the leaves of this type of orchid are thin and sharp, dying off quickly as they age.

The role of aerial roots is that they store moisture, which is stored in them as in a reservoir.

Orchid decorativeness in an unusual flower structure. It has three sepals with three petals alternating. The central petal is called the lip, which is varied in shape and color. It serves as a landing site for insects that pollinate orchids. The stamens and pistils of the flower are united into one formation - the column. They contain plant pollen glued together.

There are types of orchids that are evergreen and those that shed their foliage. The roots of the flower are interesting, which both absorb water, nutrients, and attach to the host plant. The roots of the orchid are found along the entire length of the stem. Some of them are immersed in the soil, some on the surface of the soil mixture or in the air. Many of the roots are able to participate in photosynthesis by helping the leaves. The structure of orchids is such that the flowers adapt to the conditions of the environment and successfully survive in it.

The main diseases and pests, their signs

The appearance of spots on the leaves, the yellowness of the surface of the plate is associated with fungal, bacterial infections:

• Brown bacterial rot is recognized by the light brown spots of the watery texture. Young specimens of orchids are more often affected by the disease. Soon, the spots merge with each other, and the dried foliage falls off. When infected with root rot, the leaves turn brown. The plant's root system suffers from the proliferation of spores, which leads to the cessation of flower growth.
• Gray rot disease is manifested by a fluffy bloom on the surface of the leaves.Then areas of rot are transferred to the stems, flowers, soil.
• Blackening of the leaves indicates that the black rot fungus has infected the orchid. Spore carriers of the disease are flower pests.
• The leaf of the orchid has turned yellow - which means that you will have to deal with fusarium. Pinkish spores of the fungus grow on the surface of the plates, while the leaves curl and soften.
• Anthracnose is characterized by tiny brown dots that grow in size. Black holes are visible in their place.
• Powdery mildew know by the white bloom formed on the underside of the leaves.
• Orchids infected with bacterial spot stop growing and do not bloom. Their leaf turns yellow, then turns brown, cracks and softens.

All orchid diseases are caused by hypothermia of the plant. Pathogens spread best in humid, stuffy environments.

Common flower pests:

1. Flower pests are represented by different types of scale insects. A feature of insects is the shields that protect their body. The eggs are laid by the female on the underside of the leaves, where the hatched larvae emerge. Up to three generations of the parasite grows on orchids per year. Covering the leaves of the flower with a solid crust, the scale insects suck the juices from the plant, weakening it.
2. Aphid actively reproduces on orchids due to its microscopic character. Insect sticky secretions attract pathogens. If aphids appear on the leaves, then you should expect an infection: powdery mildew, sooty fungus.
3. Pests of indoor flower spider mites are active at high air temperatures and 55 percent humidity. Braiding the underside of the leaves with cobwebs, the parasites feed on the plant sap. As a result, the leaf becomes colorless and dries up.
4. The larvae of flies - sciarid eat the aerial roots of orchids, leaves. This leads to yellowing of foliage, stopping orchids in development.

For parasitic insects, certain conditions are necessary for development. The larvae of many of them live for a long time in plant debris and soil.

How to cure an orchid?

You can fight diseases by mechanical methods, and chemical ones. If dark or yellow spots are found on the leaves, then they are carefully cut out with a sharp sterile knife, capturing part of the healthy tissue. Places of cuts are sprinkled with crushed charcoal or treated with Bordeaux liquid.

A diseased plant is necessarily transplanted into another pot, changing the soil.

At the same time, do not forget about the disinfection of both the container and the soil mixture. Before planting, the orchid is examined, removing the rotten areas of the roots and leaves. The roots are dipped in Topsin's solution or another fungicidal preparation.

Effectively treating fungal infections with Fundazole solution with spraying three times a day. The procedures are repeated for ten to fourteen days. During the treatment, the plant is provided with comfortable watering, the optimal air temperature in the room, and the humidity in the house is reduced by up to 50 percent.

How to get rid of pests?

Orchids affected by pests require the following control measures:

• Plants are sprayed weekly with Aktellik, Karbofos, using them in accordance with the instructions.
• Spider mites are eliminated by treatment insecticidal agents... A one percent solution of tar or laundry soap is effective. Treatment procedures are carried out at least three times with an interval of seven days.
• Aphids are fought by washing the leaves with soapy water. Treatment of orchids with tobacco infusion will also help. A kilogram of shag is bred in five liters of water. After a day of infusion, the solution is boiled for an hour. As soon as the broth is infused, it is filtered. To process orchids, dilute half a liter of tobacco broth in a bucket of water. For better adhesion, add one hundred grams of laundry soap.
• Sciarids willingly flock to the bait.As it, they use yellow plates, into which a little water has been poured, adding a small amount of dishwashing liquid. The insects will stick to the plate and die. The larvae of the pest are fought by drying the soil.

Orchids have few pests, therefore, knowing about them, they quickly get rid of parasites.

The consequences of improper care

Orchid leaves turn yellow as a result of aging. This common occurrence is considered natural. But when yellowness appears on young leaves, then it is necessary to identify the cause and eliminate it.

Most often, the reason for the yellowing of the leaf lies in improper care of orchids:

1. Excessive moisture of the flower, when the water is in the pot, causing rot, leads to the appearance of yellow stripes, spots on the leaf plate.
2. When the flowers are not watered for a long time, the clod of earth dries up. The leaves wither, and as a result, the death of the plant occurs. In addition to this, in winter, the indoor air is dry, from which the indoor flower suffers.
3. Drafts are contraindicated in orchids. A cold room is not for a flower. It will stop developing, the leaves will turn yellow and fall off.
4. But even the hot rays of the sun have a destructive effect on the plant. Burning sheet plates, they lead to their yellowing or drying out.

If the leaf of an orchid turns yellow, and the reason is not eliminated, then the plant will not bloom.

Tips for good orchid care

The conditions for the orchid are created such that the flower feels comfortable and develops successfully:

• A pot with an orchid is placed where there is no direct sunlight. The best place would be east or west window sills with a slope to the south. If it is not possible to choose such a place, then shade the windows with paper or special foil. It is necessary to regularly turn the pot towards the light. Then the shape of the crown will develop harmoniously.
• Since the room temperature is important for orchids, then the control of its indicators is established. In summer, the room should be no more than 27 degrees, and in winter within 15 - 20. Sharp changes of 5-7 degrees are destructive for a flower. The roots of the flower begin to atrophy, the leaves turn yellow. The result of a decrease in temperature will be the death of the plant.
• Water the orchids regularly, but in moderation. It is necessary to monitor the condition of the soil in the pot. If it is waterlogged, then it should be dried. For better moisture exchange, instead of drainage, a layer of sphagnum moss is placed in the container during plant transplantation.
• It is useful to ventilate the rooms where the orchid grows. This will help to avoid the occurrence of diseases, pest attacks. But drafts are unacceptable.

In order for an ornamental plant to please with fresh green foliage, original flowers, you need to show love and care to it.

More information can be found in the video: