Can I save a plant with yellow leaves?

Yes, if you catch it early. Trim away the dead yellow leaves and adjust your watering schedule to prevent further stress.

Is yellowing always bad?

Not always. If the plant is finishing its growth cycle for the year, yellowing is a natural part of the plant preparing for dormancy.

Pyramidal orchid: yellow leaves, causes and fixes

Check these first

Feel the soil to see if it is waterlogged.
Inspect the drainage holes to ensure they are not blocked.
Check the base of the plant for any signs of rot.

Likely causes

Overwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The leaves feel soft or mushy and the soil stays wet for more than a few days. You might notice a musty smell coming from the pot.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the top inch of soil dry out. Ensure your pot has drainage holes and use a well draining, gritty soil mix.
Nutrient deficiency
Possible
How to tell: The leaves turn yellow uniformly while the plant remains otherwise firm. This often happens if the plant has been in the same soil for more than two years.
What to do: Repot the orchid into a fresh, free-draining, lime-rich soil mix suited to terrestrial orchids. You can also apply a diluted, balanced fertilizer once during the active growing season.

Yellow leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your pyramidal orchid

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

When to worry

It is normal for the oldest bottom leaves to yellow and die back as the plant enters dormancy. Worry if the yellowing spreads rapidly to the newer, upper leaves.

Stopping it coming back

Water only when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch and always empty the saucer after watering.

Pyramidal orchid: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your pyramidal orchid and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Can I save a plant with yellow leaves?: Yes, if you catch it early. Trim away the dead yellow leaves and adjust your watering schedule to prevent further stress.
Is yellowing always bad?: Not always. If the plant is finishing its growth cycle for the year, yellowing is a natural part of the plant preparing for dormancy.

Why are my Pyramidal orchid's leaves turning yellow?