Orchids will naturally lose their flowers, and the shaft or stem will turn yellow. If however, the flowers are dropping off prematurely and the stem is already yellow the plant could be diseased. It could also be a case of a temperature problem, the location, too much or too little watering, or over feeding.
Most species of orchid will go dormant after they have produced and then lost their blossoms. The shaft or stem will turn yellow or brown and lose its leaves. The stem must be pruned back to soil level to keep the orchid healthy, because it will produce a new stem every growing season.
If a yellow stem is left uncut during the orchid's dormant season it will store pests and diseases that will harm the orchid in its next growing season.
If the stem is yellow during the orchid's flowering season it signifies a health problem. It could be from a fungal infection within the soil, a lack of nutrients or water, excess sunlight, or pests that are on the leaves. A yellowing stem during flowering will lead to the flowers dying and dropping off.
Flowers that drop prematurely could mean that the temperature is too high. Orchids like to have a relatively cool temperature to initiate flower spikes.
The location of the orchid could also cause flowers to drop off. Do not place them near gas stoves or cigarette smoke. Fumes from vehicles near the garage can also cause the flowers to fall off.
Water an orchid when the soil is dry. Place the pot under a tap and let cool water drain freely out of the bottom of the pot. Never stand the pot in water as this can cause rot and kill the plant. Still air and high humidity also cause rot.
Too much feeding will hurt the flowers during the blooming season.
Most species of orchid will go dormant after they have produced and then lost their blossoms. The shaft or stem will turn yellow or brown and lose its leaves. The stem must be pruned back to soil level to keep the orchid healthy, because it will produce a new stem every growing season.
If a yellow stem is left uncut during the orchid's dormant season it will store pests and diseases that will harm the orchid in its next growing season.
If the stem is yellow during the orchid's flowering season it signifies a health problem. It could be from a fungal infection within the soil, a lack of nutrients or water, excess sunlight, or pests that are on the leaves. A yellowing stem during flowering will lead to the flowers dying and dropping off.
Flowers that drop prematurely could mean that the temperature is too high. Orchids like to have a relatively cool temperature to initiate flower spikes.
The location of the orchid could also cause flowers to drop off. Do not place them near gas stoves or cigarette smoke. Fumes from vehicles near the garage can also cause the flowers to fall off.
Water an orchid when the soil is dry. Place the pot under a tap and let cool water drain freely out of the bottom of the pot. Never stand the pot in water as this can cause rot and kill the plant. Still air and high humidity also cause rot.
Too much feeding will hurt the flowers during the blooming season.
