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If the graceful orchid stops growing and the shoots turn yellow or brown, this is usually due to a mistake in care. The new shoots usually grow after flowering and the following dormant period to form more new flowers. However, the care-intensive orchid must be well supported here, otherwise it may happen that it does not develop further. Even a single mistake in care can lead to stunted growth.
Orchid does not continue to grow
If the orchid has developed a beautiful flower and then gone dormant, the graceful plant should actually develop new shoots after this period of dormancy. However, if these turn yellow or brown and the orchid no longer grows, then it is usually due to the care. Here one or the other or several mistakes were made, which now have to be found and fixed. When the new shoot turns brown, it is usually due to the following:
- wrong location
- wrong watering
- wrong fertilizing
- vessel too small
- wrong cutting
- Leaf care neglected
Wrong location
Orchids need the best location to be able to develop new shoots after the dormant phase. But even the location during the resting phase is important for the formation of new shoots. If these therefore turn yellow or brown and the orchid no longer grows, then the location must be checked. So it looks like this:
- cooler temperatures during dormancy
- as soon as new shoots appear, place them in a warmer place
- very bright but still shady
- no midday sun
- Temperature between 20°C and 25°C
- in cold temperatures, the new shoot discolours
If the temperatures and brightness are not right, then the plant should be moved immediately, even if many changes of location should actually be avoided. Perhaps it will then be possible to stimulate the plant to grow again during the current vegetation year.
tip: Do not despair if the orchid no longer produces new shoots despite moving to a new location that year. Just keep caring and take advantage of the ideal location next year. The plant could recover and grow again.
Wrong watering
If the location is already optimally chosen, then it can also be due to the wrong watering that the decorative flower does not allow a new shoot to grow or that it changes color immediately. The cause here could be two faults, too much or too little moisture. Orchids need to be watered very carefully and do better when exposed to high humidity levels of at least 60%. Then they can absorb the water through the leaves and the roots are not stressed. When watering, you should therefore pay attention to the following:
- Place bowls of water around plants
- a humidifier is also recommended for orchids
- this can be set to the optimal humidity level
- Only submerge orchids, do not water from above
- Use soft, lukewarm water for this
- no tap water contains too much lime in it
- If the orchid is waterlogged, remove the pot immediately
- Let roots dry
- remove any damaged roots
- next time only spray leaves and aerial roots
notice: The plant is satisfied if you briefly immerse it once a week, after which the water must be able to drain off well. In addition, it is advisable to spray the plants daily on aerial roots and leaves.
Wrong fertilizing
If the plant is not supplied with fertilizer immediately after the dormant phase, then no new shoots will appear or only a stunted, discolored shoot. The orchid stops growing. Because the orchids need enough nutrients at the right time to be able to continue to thrive. Ideally, liquid fertilizer for orchids from the trade is used here, because this is already composed in such a way that all the necessary nutrients are contained. If you want to produce fertilizer yourself, you have to pay close attention to the ingredients, otherwise discolored shoots can also occur here. When fertilizing, care should therefore be taken to ensure the following:
- begin immediately after the rest period
- fertilize every four weeks
- with liquid fertilizer
- pay close attention to the manufacturer's instructions
- until the end of the growth and flowering period
tip: If you have forgotten to fertilize, you should start doing so as soon as you notice it, for example because the orchid is showing brown or yellow shoots. The plant will probably not sprout any more flowers that year, but it should not be disposed of, but continue to be cared for as usual in order to be prepared for the next year.
vessel too small
The planter should also be checked immediately after the resting phase. Because if the orchids do not have enough space, brown or yellow shoots and a stop in growth can also occur here. If the pot is too small, the plant must be repotted. The need for repotting is shown as follows:
- Aerial roots protrude over edge
- Roots grow through soil opening
- Carefully remove the orchid from the container
- remove dead bulbs
- this allows new shoots to develop better
- Completely remove roots from old substrate
- new, fresh substrate in a new pot
- Plant orchid again
notice: The bulbs mentioned above are thickened shoots in which the orchids store nutrients and water. This is where the new flower stalks and leaves will sprout. If some of the bulbs have died, they should be removed to make room for new ones.
Wrong cutting
It is usually the multi-shoot Phalaenopsis orchids that are purchased, as these varieties are often also available in supermarkets. This type of orchid has the advantage, especially for beginners, that it does not take a break from flowering and therefore does not need a rest phase. Nevertheless, it can come to a wrong cut and thus a yellow or brown discolored shoot development are favored. Therefore, you should pay attention to the following with this orchid species:
- new shoots appear as flowers wither
- Do not cut off spent stems
- lateral stems develop here
- these begin to bud and bloom
- the upper part of the stem dries up
- may be removed up to the branch
- in other species stems may be removed altogether
- produce flowers only on new shoots
- dried parts may always be removed
notice: If you have acquired orchids as a beginner, then it is usually of the Phalaenopsis variety. Ask for the right care when you buy it or look at the care instructions here, which are usually printed on the pot or on a care label attached.
Leaf care neglected
The leaves and their care must not be neglected either. Because this is where the plant absorbs the necessary and important moisture from the air in order to be able to form new shoots. If the new shoots are brown or yellow, but the care of the orchid is otherwise correct, then the cause of the susceptible orchid can also be the neglected leaves. Therefore, when taking care of the leaves and also for first aid in the event of a growth stop, proceed as follows:
- regularly wipe dust from the leaves
- other deposits too
- use a damp, soft cloth
- do not use hard water
- gives new lime deposits on the leaves
- work very carefully
tip: If you want the leaves of your orchids not only to be clean but also to have a nice shine, you can carefully polish them with the inside of a banana peel after cleaning. However, this only has visual effects and no caring effects.