Sunburned Phalaenopsis Leaf and Yellowing Lower Leaves: Root Rot Warning

Two Separate Problems on One Plant

A sunburned leaf and yellowing lower leaves signal different issues needing different fixes.

Sunburned Leaf

• Cut below the burn with a clean razor blade.
• Seal cut with powdered sulfur, Rootone, or fungicide.

Yellowing Lower Leaves = Root Rot

This is serious. Yellow lower leaves mean the roots supporting them have rotted. The whole plant—including flower spikes—is at risk.

Emergency Repotting (Even in Spike)

1. Get orchid bark mix (Lowe's/Home Depot).
2. Unpot, rinse roots, remove all mushy ones.
3. Repot in fresh mix, soak, drain.
4. Risk: may lose current spikes. Benefit: saves the plant.

Sour media kills roots. Fresh mix restores aeration. Don't delay—root rot spreads fast.