Very straight growing cattleya...

[Jeff214]

I was growing a C. warscewiczii outside and the new growths had been gangly. While I tend to think gangly growths are a result of low light? I think it was getting enough light since the leaves were turning purple and adjacent catts were blooming well.

Once this plant was moved indoors, grown under LED lights, new growths have started. They've been astonishingly straight. It's such a drastic difference that I though I'd share here. Newer growers (like me) might benefit to see how much growing conditions can affect the appearance of new growths!

[SouthPark]

Jeff ----- it probably just depends on how the light source moves around. The exposure of the plant to the light. And also roughly the lighting intensity and also duration of time the orchid gets the light for each day.

When indoors ----- and if the grow light is over-head, the leaves can probably just grow upward toward the light ----- maybe more directional growth upwards - since the source of light doesn't move around all the time.

Another thing is to consider whether the other catts outdoor were doing a similar thing for their new growths.

[Jeff214]

I mean that is exactly what I was trying to say? I guess I was clear as mud as they say. My main point being that, under the right amount of light and other conditions for a plant, growth can be quite different.

None of my 60 other catts are doing this under exact lighting conditions (in and out). I just thought it was so stark to see this one plant responding the way it did over the last few months. And actually, the light is not at all overhead on this one. I thought it was very interesting but perhaps it is just my inexperience.

[SouthPark]

Originally Posted by Jeff214

And actually, the light is not at all overhead on this one. I thought it was very interesting but perhaps it is just my inexperience.

Usually the bulbs will grow in a direction toward the light. But if the growing area is illuminated all over due to light rays bouncing around, then it could explain this result of vertical growing.

On the other hand - if this particular orchid has a behaviour different to the 60 or so other catts when outdoors, then it may take a little time to eventually figure out the reason for the departure from the norm.

I haven't grown this particular species before. Although, I recently did have an opportunity to get one. But currently out of grow space hehehehe.

[Orchidtinkerer]

Jeff, I think your new growths are getting a bit too much light. A bit of purpling is desirable but too much indicates too much light.
Maybe that is the reason for the straight growth even? You will notice they have not opened up yet which they should have done by now but by staying as straight and thin as possible they are avoiding direct exposure to light, like a ship at sea steering into the waves, if the boat would take the wave side on it would capsize and this plant seems to be thinking the same, if it opens its leaves it will get burnt. Your light possibly has a very small intense spread of light? as the outside leaves are green yet the centre of the plant is very purple.

Ps: Nice tomatoes in the background.

I am glad you are having good success with your LED's -been using led's to grow indoor plants for 20 years, started with the red+blue ones in the early days but those never performed well with complete lack of sunlight. Sunlight is still what all light manufacturers are trying to replicate and LED's have become really good, so good they can be stronger than a european sun these days but they are still trying to replicate the sun and not quite there yet. The sun will always be superior but in Europe it is tricky growing orchids outside so LED's are a must in Winter.. Outside you get Insects, you get storms, you get gales, you get clouds, indoors under LEd's you can avoid all that which makes growing indoors under LED give great uniform conditions but the Sun will always provide just a little bit more that LED's can't.

Some plants decide to flower based on the difference betweeen red and blue light in spring vs the ratio in autumn. Do indoor LED's do that? I have too little experience growing orchids without any sun at all, just starting that recently as I have run out of windowsill space, lets see how complete lack of sun growing goes, I am suspecting I might encounter some flowering issues, maybe not , we will see.

[WaterWitchin]

I agree with you Jeff. Changing a light source and/or amount can sure have somtimes dramatic effect. Even moreso on some than others. We celebrate when we hit a sweet spot, as opposed to going overboard. Looks like you've hit a sweet spot with this one, but perhaps just a wee bit too much light. At least for my comfort zone.

I agree with Orchidtinkerer. His rationale makes sense to me, although the new ones are still a bit young to be unfolding yet. Who knows, maybe they'll be much larger that prior growths and just not at that point yet. I note you also have the purple on two other leaves, being partially purple and partially shaded a lighter green. Likely from the direction of the lighting and the newer pbulbs casting a shadow?

I have several sprawlers like that. If I could get them to stand up soldier straight, it would be great! I'm in process of replacing some older lights... wouldn't it be grand to put those sprawlers under one and get them to straighten up their act!

[My Green Pets]

I think they look great Jeff. My rexes often don't open their leaves until they're almost all the way pushed out. Nice growing.