The flower stalk of an orchid turns yellow: why is this happening and what to do?

It will be useful for any grower to know what happens to the beloved when yellowing the flower-bearing part of the stem.

In addition to the flower stalk, the orchid may also turn yellow, a growth point. As a rule, this happens due to plant disease or in the wrong light.

A similar phenomenon may appear after flowering or very suddenly. In any case, the reasons should be understood before proceeding with actions.

Yellowing phenomenon

The arrow on which the buds appear is called a peduncle. But, for example, in dendrobiums, the bulb plays this role.

The yellowing process occurs due to various factors affecting the vital processes of the plant. The chlorophyll pigment responsible for the green color is formed in small quantities, and the flower changes color.

In orchids, not only the flower stalk, but the stem, leaves turn yellow. Yellowing most often begins with the tip, which becomes pale yellow. Gradually, such a hue acquires the entire flower-bearing process. The appearance of a yellow color indicates the natural processes or ailments of the plant. You will find all details about yellowing of an orchid in this material.

What does it look like?

The drying process means the loss of stiffness, elasticity of the peduncle. At the same time, his appearance changes gradually. The shape changes, the color becomes brown, brown. However, the red and purple color of the peduncle is characteristic of certain varieties of orchids and is not a disease. The dried part of the plant loses life-giving moisture. Also, photosynthesis ceases in the damaged area, there are no vital processes, it can be said that death is taking place.

What is the danger?

It's okay if yellowing is a natural aging process. Worse, if the appearance of yellowed parts of the exotica indicates the presence of various kinds of diseases.

The main danger is not to tighten, but to respond to the first symptoms at the same time. Failure to provide timely assistance to a diseased plant can threaten: complete drying of the roots, deterioration in general condition against the background of infectious diseases, developmental disruption, cessation of flowering, and death of the flower. About why the roots and leaves dry and turn yellow, we want to tell you in a separate article.

When is this a natural process?

It is commonplace when, after flowering, the tip of the peduncle begins to dry out. Then yellowness spreads to the entire flower-bearing stem. This means that the orchid dries it on its own. This is due to the fact that the flower goes to rest, it does not have enough strength to maintain this part. There stops flowing moisture and nutrients. Usually, the sleep period begins with the advent of winter, and in spring a new, green arrow is poked.

Why is this happening?

As it turned out, the flower stalk can dry out not only during natural processes, but also under the influence of a number of factors.

Incorrect lighting

Orchid loves sunlight. As a result of a lack of lighting, flower stalks, leaves, aerial roots, unformed completely buds dry out. In the absence of light, the process of photosynthesis slows down. However, intense, bright lighting is generally harmful to the plant. The main parts of the plant can change color, fade, burn out, worse if thermal burns appear. In the summer, it is better to move the flower pot from the south side to the east window. Shade the light with a tulle curtain.

Oversupply or malnutrition

The frequent use of mineral fertilizers does more harm than good. This process is reflected in this way: leaves, peduncle, roots dry, buds fall during the flowering period. On the other hand, a lack of nutrients negatively affects the development of the plant. The flowers become small, the leaves are not juicy, pale green, noticeable not a long flowering period. Therefore, everything should be in moderation, and dose the drugs exclusively according to the instructions.

Air humidity

High or low humidity in the room is the result of a withering, soft peduncle. The general tone of the plant worsens, undeveloped flowers fall. Perhaps the development of decay processes.

Disease

Arrow yellowness is a secondary symptom of a fungal or bacterial infection. At the time of changing the color, spots, damage caused by the process of decay are already visible on the sheet. Possible diseases: fusarium, late blight.

Damage

The application of mechanical injuries causes yellowing of the peduncle. It can be broken or bent, so water and the necessary trace elements do not enter the damaged area.

Stress

Immediately after purchase, the flower stalk may turn yellow. A sudden change of residence for orchids is a kind of shock. At the same time, lighting, temperature, humidity changes. And the plants immediately react to such changes. At first, the flower can stop flowering, lose buds, but then everything will work out. It takes time to adapt.

What to do?

If the peduncle is still green, and the tip begins to turn yellow, you do not need to remove it. For an outwardly attractive appearance, you can cut off the dry tip. We remove the completely completely dry flower stalk, which will give strength to restore the orchid. For the elimination process, you will need a pruner or a sharp knife. Disinfect all instruments well in advance.

Visually inspect the plant, leaves, aerial roots, stem.
If the orchid is planted in a ceramic pot, you need to take out the flower and feel the roots for rot.
Using a garden pruner, we cut 1 cm above a living kidney. If there is none, then leave a stump of no more than 2 cm.
Sprinkle a live slice with an antiseptic.
If there are dry leaves, roots, remove in the same way.
Do not water the flower for 7-10 days, let it recover.

After the operation, it is best not to touch the orchid.

Minimize watering.
Exclude top dressing.
We limit the duration of exposure to light.
Lower the temperature.

And with the onset of spring, we return everything to their places.

Prevention

Maintaining a comfortable temperature in summer: + 22-25ºС, in winter + 16-18ºС.
Placed in partial shade, scorching rays should be shaded.
Maintain humidity between 50-60% with a household humidifier.
Be sure to regularly ventilate the room.
Not more than 1 time in 3 years should be updated soil.
Water once a week, in between the soil should completely dry.
Use warm and purified water.
Fertilize orchids 2 times a month, especially during flowering
It is better to spray the flower up to 5 times a day.

To achieve good results, long and magnificent flowering, competent care is needed. Do not neglect the basic rules for growing orchids, as well as microclimate parameters in the room. And as a result, yellowing of the peduncle will occur only due to natural aging.