Yellow leaves are a common indication of when your orchid has not been properly hydrated or has not received enough light. Light is very important to consider when owning an orchid plant. Many orchid species require about 12 hours of diffused light every day. They originated in tropical environments where they could settle underneath trees and bask in low sunlight throughout the day. These environments also offer scheduled periods of shade and sun. It is best to place your orchid in an eastern part of the house where it can receive early morning sun and late afternoon shade. This will also allow them to avoid the strong midday heat and prevent them from wilting or dying prematurely.

Before you decide to make your purchase, be sure to do some research on your desired orchid plant. This up-front information-seeking will help you make a more informed decision. Remember, with the number of orchid plants now available, you want to make sure you are giving it the specific care it needs to bloom properly (and avoid leaf discoloration). That's why it is suggested that you speak to the flower shop employee about your orchid prior to taking it home with you. Another great way to find information is through the Internet.

You will find that some orchid plants prefer lots of sunlight throughout the day, while others loose their life if not given enough shade. Orchid growers have come up with two methods for distinguishing an orchid's preference for light. If you hear an orchid referred to as "soft growing," this means that it usually grows healthier in shadier conditions. Likewise, if you hear the term "hard growing," you'll know that this type of orchid enjoys more sunny environments. Orchids that thrive in shadier conditions will, more often than not, bear smaller flowers and bloom more infrequently. This is because of their sun-shade pattern. However, if you're looking for a less "temperamental" orchid, "hard-growing" orchids bear larger flowers and bloom more frequently. But keep in mind that this type of orchid will also produce less plant that is more yellow and stunted.

If you have any concern regarding the amount of light you will be able to give your orchid throughout the day, not to worry. A "grow-light" will provide your orchid the proper amount of light and will not require you to be at home if you do not have an eastern facing window in your house. Using your "grow-light" with a timer will guarantee that the orchid receives the proper amount of light and shade (dark). Another form of artificial light that seems to work successfully is florescent light which provides a less intense source of light for your orchid.

For many years, expert horticulturalists were the only ones to successfully cultivate orchid flowers (because they were the only ones who could sit around and make sure the orchids got enough light!). However, with the advancements in lighting technology, even an amateur orchid grower can effectively cultivate an orchid plant and ensure that it avoids yellowing leaves and possible death.

If you understand the advantages to using natural and artificial light when caring for your orchid, you shouldn't see any negative symptoms apparent in sick orchid plants, namely yellow leaves and wilting.

About the Author
Want to find out more on orchid yellow leaves? You can visit www.Orchid911.com to get helpful tips when buying, growing, and caring for orchids. Terri Andrews may be contacted at http://www.orchid911.com/. Click here to view more articles by Terri Andrews.