Should I cut off the yellow leaf?

Yes, once a leaf has turned fully yellow, it will not turn green again. You can snip it off with clean scissors to keep the plant looking tidy.

Can low humidity cause yellowing?

While low humidity usually causes other issues, it can stress the plant. Keep your orchid in a room with 50 to 70 percent humidity.

Dendrobium Orchid: yellow leaves, causes and fixes

Check these first

Feel the potting medium to see if it is wet or dry.
Inspect the roots for any signs of mushiness or decay.
Check the light levels where the plant is currently sitting.

Likely causes

Overwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The leaves turn yellow and soft, often starting at the base of the stem. You might notice the potting medium stays damp for more than 10 days.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the medium dry out completely. If the roots look mushy or dark, trim them away and repot the orchid in fresh, chunky bark mix.
Too much direct sun
Most likely
How to tell: The leaves develop a bleached or yellow appearance, especially on the side facing the window. This happens when the sun is too intense for the foliage.
What to do: Move your orchid to a spot with bright, indirect light. You can also place a sheer curtain between the plant and the window to filter the harsh rays.

Find out what's wrong with your dendrobium 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, lowest leaf on a cane to yellow and drop as the plant ages. Be concerned if multiple leaves yellow at once or if the stem feels soft.

Stopping it coming back

Only water when the medium is nearly dry to the touch and ensure your pot has excellent drainage.

Keep your dendrobium orchid healthy from here

Save your plant in Pocket Botanist and you get care reminders timed for this plant, plus a care history that shows what worked. Identification and a health check are free.

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Questions people ask

Should I cut off the yellow leaf?: Yes, once a leaf has turned fully yellow, it will not turn green again. You can snip it off with clean scissors to keep the plant looking tidy.
Can low humidity cause yellowing?: While low humidity usually causes other issues, it can stress the plant. Keep your orchid in a room with 50 to 70 percent humidity.

Why are my Dendrobium orchid leaves turning yellow?