Sudden yellowing leaves

[racerl1]

I have a dendrobium that just finished flowering about 1 month ago. It has been extremely healthy looking, with very long, thich stalks and several spikes that lasted almost 8 months. It was actually very top heavy because one of the stalks was so tall, and I had to tie it to my orchid stand in order to keep it from pulling out of the pot. Last week I noticed that several of the leaves on several of the stalks had turned almost completely yellow overnight. I repotted it, since it had been almost 2 years since it was last potted, and the roots seemed to be outgrowing the pot. I ended up cutting off a few stalks and also a few leaves on the remaining stalks. There was one brand new stalk coming up that was about 1 inch tall. Today I noticed that the 3 remaining stalks have yellow leaves. The newest stalk isn't as bad as the others, but it is definitely yellowing even though it is still growing. The leaves are very blotchy looking at first and then turn completely yellow. What could be causing this, and what can I do to take care of the problem?

[jerrymeola]

Yellowing and falling leaves on a dendrobium are very common after they flower. You could have just done nothing. The blotching is just a normal first step in discarding a leaf that is no longer needed.

Repotting is a stressful action and while necesssary often results in leaves being discarded by the plant. Dendrobiums are especially sensitive to being repotted.

Give the plant time and it should come back fine. Do not cut off any more canes even if they do not have leaves. The plant uses them as a food and water reserve. I would cut back water a little since the roots will most probably be absorbing less water while the plant recovers. If you are watering twice a week go to every 5 days for a while.

Dendrobiums are tough plants. Do not be so quick to think it is not healty.

[junieg2]

Boy, can I relate to the dendrobiums losing their leaves almost overnight! It is very scary, but normal. Check out some of Jerry's other posts about dendrobiums in newbie question forum. Very helpful! jcg

[racerl1]

Thank you! I'll just watch it for a while.

Dendrobiums like to have tight shoes, and they can bloom on the old canes.