Leaves of reed-stem epidendrums turning red & dying

[fosterpapillon]

I have lots of reed-stem epidendrums, mostly red and orange flowered which are growing very well. However, my mauve and pink-flowered varieties are all developing red leaves and are slowly dying. What is the likely cause?

michael

[PaphMadMan]

This is partly speculation especially without pictures or knowing more about your plants and conditions. I would suspect the pink flowered ones may represent different species or hybrids, or just different cultivars, that are somewhat less tolerant of heat and bright sunlight.

[Dollythehun]

Pictures would be helpful.

[Subrosa]

Reddening of leaves is usually a reaction to to much light.

[Dollythehun]

Exactly. However, my 'Pinky' tolerates full sun well. That's why I asked...

[Subrosa]

Originally Posted by Dollythehun

Exactly. However, my 'Pinky' tolerates full sun well. That's why I asked...

Full sun at 40° of latitude is a far different thing than full sun at 30°. Full sun at 20° is far different from that at 30°. And all that is assuming equal elevation. For instance I never thought it possible to give a Venus Fly Trap too much sunlight. Someone I know who lives in Hawaii at I believe about 7000' of elevation proved me wrong!

[PaphMadMan]

Originally Posted by Dollythehun

Exactly. However, my 'Pinky' tolerates full sun well. That's why I asked...

Not all pink tone reed Epis would necessarily be similar. It would depend on the breeding of the particular plant. Epi calanthum or its hybrids might be pink, but wouldn't come close to tolerating the sun and heat that a selected pink form of Epi radicans would.

That's why we need a picture. It might give some clue as to what flavor of Epi is involved, or at least confirm the symptoms are consistent with a light/heat response.

[Dollythehun]

Correct, and I have no idea what his full sun would look like. I just know mine is a weed and sits out in scorching (Indiana) summer sun with only bronzing. Like you, I would guess it's s light issue.

[fosterpapillon]

I also thought light might be the problem but it's late autumn at 37° latitude - hardly bright sunshine - and the one pictured has just started to bronze.

The first two images show a mauve epidendrum. The third shows a cattleya whose toughened leaves suggested to me that it was getting too much light so I moved it to a shadier location - see how the newer leaves (on the left) are smoother.

michael

[katrina]

How often are you watering the catt? I don't grow the epis so I can't speak to those but the catt looks dehydrated rather than having received to much sun.

Roots on the outside of the pot look good but what's going on in the pot? If you're not under -watering...could you have a root issue inside the pot?