New orchid leaf spotty on phal

[Mercurianmad]

Hey guys! This rescue phaelanopsis is doing really well it’s got a good root. My question is that the new leaf that’s growing on it is covered in these red spots. I’m sorry about the poor quality of the picture but I’m wondering if you guys can tell me if this orchid is OK? Or if it something I should worry about. This is my first leaf growing with this orchid so I don’t know if this is normal for it or not

[SouthPark]

MM ----- if it's just reddish or purply --- then probably no immediate concern, or even no concern.

What level of light does this orchid receive? Bright light, or very shady etc?

[camille1585]

It's nothing harmful, and it's not unusual to see spots or purple coloration on new leaves of Phals with dark colored flowers. They are usually more visible when a plant is grown in sufficiently high light (doesn't mean too much light, and your plant seems otherwise fine).

Nice rescue, it looks like a happy plant now!

[Mercurianmad]

It’s grown in a southeastern window with a bit of cheesecloth over it to diffuse the light

[estación seca]

Some Phals have red spotting like that. Some orchids are high light plants. Phalaenopsis are not. They don't ever need to have sun shining directly on them, not even through a window.

[Mercurianmad]

I read that phals like bright, indirect light? So wouldn’t diffused but bright light be good for them? Not direct sun on their leaves, but ample light diffused across them?

[estación seca]

Your plant is growing fine and you don't need to move it. During summer, if the cheesecloth falls and direct light shines on the leaves, they might get sunburn. I was pointing out you can get more orchids to put in the high light areas, and keep the Phal in a less brightly lit position.

Phals bloom fine if there is enough light for your hand to cast a barely-discernable shadow.

[Mercurianmad]

Oh awesome thank you.

[Roberta]

With regard to light and Phals... they don't need or want much intensity, but they do need good duration of moderately bright, indirect light. Depending on the position of the window, it may get good light for part of the day, then the sun shifts (and how much it gets varies with the seasons) If it is growing well but hasn't rebloomed in a year or so (they don't do anything fast) then consider a supplemental light to give them more hours. My usual mantra.... Orchids teach patience.

[JScott]

That's perfectly common and nothing to worry about. Sometimes Phals with dark colored leaves and flowers like yours probably have will develop purple pigmentation, especially in the new leaves, and especially when grown in the high end of the appropriate amount of light. As the leaf matures, the purple splotches will probably go away. If the plant is growing and flowering well, then it is happy and you don't need to change a thing.