Healthy exotic orchids are famous for those gorgeous, glossy green leaves. Every now and then, you might notice a leaf turning yellow or brown and eventually falling off—usually, that’s just the circle of life and nothing to stress about. However, if you’re seeing a bunch of leaves changing color at once, your orchid is likely trying to tell you that something is off with its care routine.
Possible Causes for Brown Leaves
When an orchid is thriving, its leaves should feel firm, look shiny, and stay green. If your plant is starting to look a little brown around the edges (or all over), don’t panic just yet. A single brown or yellow leaf is often just an old leaf retiring.
But if the discoloration is spreading, it’s time to play detective. Most of the time, brown leaves are caused by one of these common culprits:
- Watering mishaps (especially the dreaded “wet feet”)
- Sunburn from too much direct light
- Uninvited guests (pests) or diseases
Watering Woes
Let’s be real: watering is where most of us trip up. Both underwatering and overwatering can do a number on your plant. If you forget to water for too long, you’ll usually see the leaves turn yellow and shrivel.
Brown leaves, on the other hand, are often a red flag for standing water. If the roots sit in soggy soil for too long, they’ll start to rot. Once root rot sets in, the plant can’t “drink” or get the nutrients it needs, causing the leaves to turn brown and die off.
Sunburn
If you notice brown spots that stay the same size and have a dark, defined border, your orchid might have a sunburn. While orchids love a bright, warm spot, they aren’t big fans of harsh, direct sunlight—especially during that intense midday heat. Think of it like a beach day without SPF; they need a little shade!
Pests and Diseases
Sometimes, brown leaves are a sign of pests or diseases. Fungal infections or critters like scale and mealybugs are pretty common with exotic orchids. If you spot these, you’ll want to treat them quickly to keep the rest of your plant family safe.
Resist the Urge to Prune!
I know it’s tempting to snip off those unsightly brown leaves to make your plant look “pretty” again, but try to hold off. Even if they aren’t winning any beauty pageants, the plant is actually still pulling nutrients from those leaves. You should only remove brown leaves (or any other plant parts) once they are completely dried out and papery. At that point, they should come off with a gentle tug!
