Hi everyone,

I'm looking for some advice on my **Phalaenopsis mariae**. I have it since March this year and it seemed to do well till now. 

Over the last two days I've noticed that **both leaves have started yellowing from the base**, while the upper parts are still mostly green. The yellowing seems fairly symmetrical on both leaves, which has me worried because this plant only has these two leaves. It used to have four leaves, however, it has lost two a week or two ago. I didn’t think much about it at first as I’ve thought it might be normal for it to get rid of the “old” leaves. 

The roots seem to be fine, however, only the bottom parts (see the 3rd and the 4th picture). It's potted in coarse orchid bark. I haven't noticed any mushy or black leaves, and the crown doesn't appear obviously rotten.

I'm trying to work out whether this is:

\-> normal replacement of old leaves,  
\-> root problem at the base of the plant causing the plant to sacrifice leaves,  
\-> crown or stem rot,  
or something else entirely.

Does this pattern of yellowing point to a particular problem?

Would you unpot it and inspect the roots/stem immediately, or leave it alone?

If it is a root issue, what's the best next step?

Any thoughts would be appreciated—I'd really like to save this plant if possible. Thanks!

Phal. mariae