Vanda leaves purpling.. ok or not?

[orchidjunky]

Hi all, I received a Vanda from a friend that is in vase culture. I am not sure what the light was like at her house but I think she had it in a window indoors. I grow my orchids under a grow light and I noticed that this vanda is getting reddish/purple tones on the upper leaves. I've read mixed opinions about it. Some people say that it's a sign the orchid is doing well light wise. While others say it's a sign that there's too much light? It currently gets 3 hours of east facing sunlight and then 6-7 hours under a grow light with about 12 inches of distance from the top leaf to the light. Should I move it or just leave it?

[SouthPark]

If the orchid continues to keep thriving, then that should be just fine.

Also, do you provide supplements such as cal-mag and/or fertiliser, every once in a while?

Purple pigment is generally fine. Just keep an eye out for scorching. Minor scorching is ok, as even orchids out in the wild can get their leaves scorched a little on some big peak sun intensity days.

[orchidjunky]

Originally Posted by SouthPark

If the orchid continues to keep thriving, then that should be just fine.

Also, do you provide supplements such as cal-mag and/or fertiliser, every once in a while?

Purple pigment is generally fine. Just keep an eye out for scorching. Minor scorching is ok, as even orchids out in the wild can get their leaves scorched a little on some big peak sun intensity days.

Yes I do provide all you’ve mentioned though I’ve had it for 2 weeks so I don’t know how it was treated before and the purpling came on real quick almost within a week of being under the grow light. I’m wondering if my friend had it in a window that only had sunlight for a short period. Since it’s been with me I have it under grow light for almost 9hrs a day and maybe it just isn’t used to the higher light.

[Fairorchids]

Vanda hybrids with Asctm ampullaceum or christensonianum (now V. ampullacea & christensoniana) in the background often do this when grown in high light. It is normal, and harmless.