Question
i have an orchid plant that i recently repotted. i followed all of the directions i have read regarding repotting, etc. there is a new leaf that is begining to grow but the bottom two leaves have recently yellowed and fallen off (one did this before i repotted). i am just concerned with the overall health of the plant and would like your opinion and feedback. thanks!

Answer
Hello Joy,

You did not say what kind of orchid you have so it is difficult for me to tell you if what has happened is something to be really concerned about.  

But, with that said, it is not normal for an orchid to suddenly lose several leaves so quickly.  Losing the bottom leaf prior to repotting is one thing but for it to lose another leaf so quickly could indicate that there may be a problem either with the orchid plant or with something you are doing.  When you water it, do you pour water over the top of the pot?  Also, when you water, do you do it late in the day?  If you do, it may be that water is getting on the leaf(s) and over night a fungus has grown in the water.  To see if fungus is causing the leaf loss, check to see if there is a black sooty looking area on it.  To prevent or minimize fungus infestation, it is best to do any watering or misting in the morning to allow enough time for any water droplets to evaporate before night fall.  It also helps if there is some light air movement around the orchid.  

That there is a new leaf beginning to grow is promising, hopefully it will continue to grow and that eventually more new leafs will grow.  

Hope this helped.

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, Ca.