Leaves falling off

[junco513]

I have an oncidium or cymbidium orchid. I'm not sure which one it is. It's got long narrow leaves. The leaves were getting pretty long and heavy. A couple days ago, the really long leaves fell off! There are still some leaves, the newer leaves. The ones that fell off were turning yellow and one day, they just fell out. Is that normal?

[jerrymeola]

quite normal.

With any orchid if you are getting heathy new growth do not be too concerned about the older leaves. If the plant does not need them it will discard them.

When new growth dies before reaching full size, that is the time to worry.

[junco513]

Thank you, Jerry. Should I trim the remaining stems. It looks quite dry and brown.

[jerrymeola]

if you mean old flower stems then cut them.

[junco513]

no, it's the stems remaining from the leaves. there's about an inch or less above the bulb part remaining. it's all yellow and dried up looking. should i trim it to closer to the bulb?

[Cynthia, Prescott, AZ]

Sounds like a Cymbidium. If they are dry, you can remove them, but it is not necessary. As these old bottom sections of leaves get older, they get easier to pull off. Pull don't cut. If they are hard to pull, slit them down the center and pull off in opposite directions. Cynthia, Prescott, AZ

[jerrymeola]

If it is an oncidium I usually leave them unless I am getting rot.