Question
I've only had my phalaenopsis a couple of weeks, and I've only watered it once in that time.  I was going to water it this morning, but I noticed that one of the leaves (a newer one--it's smaller and closest to the base of the plant) is a pale yellow.  Some of the mature leaves also have a faint line of yellow/light green around the edge but it hasn't spread. Did I water it too much last time? When I watered it, I took it out of the outer pot and let water pour through the medium, then left it out of the pot all day so that excess water could drip out and dry off.  I was also careful not to get the leaves wet.  Is there a better way to water it?  The rest of the plant seems to be doing well--a second flower spike is growing and I had another bud open and others are growing.  Should I just wait a few days before watering it again?  I didn't think it was sun exposure because the leaf that was completely yellow is well-shaded by two mature leaves over it (you have to lift a leaf in order to see it, actually).  Thank you!

Answer
Hello Morgan,

If it is just the lowest leaf turning yellow on your phalaenopsis, there may not be a real concern.  Phals. produce new leafs from the top so that bottom leaf is the oldest and it is turning yellow because of age.  Leave it alone and it will fall off naturally.  Also, look for a new leaf to start growing from the top or crown.  

One watering method people use to water their phals. is bottom watering.  Bottom watering is done by setting the pot in a container then pouring water into the container until the level reaches almost to the pot rim.  Allow it to soak for 20 to 30 minutes, remove and allow excess water to run off.  A word of caution, try to use lukewarm water as cold water may shock it.  

Phals. prefer the potting mix to become barely moist between waterings.  

Hope this has helped.  Good luck and good growing.

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, Ca.