Hi all, I got this beautiful orchid a few weeks ago. It started having these yellow leaves on the bottom. What does that mean?

That is a beautiful plant.

I am just guessing here but there does not appear to be any drain holes in that container. I suspect it is holding too much moisture. Others with more knowledge will chime in with how to check the roots and re-pot.

Also, I may be way off base here but the willow twigs are giving off salicylic and indolebutyric acids which would aid in rooting for terrestrial plants but I am not sure if they help or harm non terrestrials like those in the orchid family???

I agree, the yellowing leaves look like it may be due to over-watering and if there is no drainage, there could possibly be root rot. I think most orchids appreciate good air circulation around their roots.

Hopefully some of our more expert growers will pop in with advice soon.

I remember what Dr. Motes says, " It's not how much you water an orchid, it is how quickly it drains". I would quickly repot to a proper sized clay orchid pot.

Jim

Thank you for your replies. I've actually never watered it because it came with a tag saying to only spray the roots with water twice a week in the summer and once a week in the winter. Could it be that I've underwatered it?

Oh yes!! Please do take it to the sink and let room-temperature water run through the medium, avoiding the crown of the plants. Hopefully the pot has drainage holes. Let it drip off and place it back in its spot. I thought the leaves were a tad floppy! I would stick my finger every so often into the medium to check when it needs to be watered again.
And if that were me, I would follow Ardesia's advice and remove those sticks. They really have no business in there.

A miniature Phalaenopsis spike should not need staking so I agree, remove the sticks.
It is underwatered by your own admission. Never trust what is written on a tag as being gospel! The directions are often real simple in order to get you to buy it! You might think, "is this all that is required?" So you are more tempted to buy it and take it home.
I agree further to get it into a proper pot with drainage holes and use a proper media. Try watering well one day for every inch of pot. If it ends up in a 4" pot, waterit every four days. 5" pot, every five days and take it from there.
A bright window is best with little or no direct sunlight. We have given good advice and we are confident that your plant will do better.
Welcome to the forums!!

Does anyone have experience with Dyakia hendersoniana ?
I bought one last year and set it in a basket...where it has languished since.
I have been growing it along side my Vanda plants but in the lower light end of the row.
Out of frustration, I just potted it up very loosely and set it in lower light.

Yes, I do!
Treat it like an annual!

Never had the pleasure of growing one. Sorry.