Cattleya leaves turning purple

[prc11]

I put my cattleya closer to the window in stead of the grow light two days ago and now the leaves are sort of purple. What does this mean and will they turn back to all green.

[johnblagg]

It means you have maybe just a bit too much light ....the reddish purple tint is a a orchids version of a suntan and is proctective pigments in the leaves appearing ....
How purple are we talking about and how fast did it happen?A little bit is a sign you have good light levels a lot is verging on sunburn

[Zoi2]

It's the sun and the purple will stay.
Joann

[BobInBonita]

I try for a reddish purple tint at the leaf edges, thinking that maximum metabolism equals fastest growth.
It is OK now, but as the sun gets stronger you have to watch closely so you don't go too far and cause sunburn.
A picture would let us see just how purple you are, since we are all guessing based on our own experiences.

[johnblagg]

Originally Posted by Zoi2

It's the sun and the purple will stay.
Joann

actually I have had some that did get the purple tinge and it did go away when light levels were lowered a bit ...I now get just a hint of it but pay close attention and if its to much back lights off a bit

[Zoi2]

I've had the color fade but never acually go away. I guess I haven't lowered the light enough.
Joann

[johnblagg]

actually from what I have read the little bit of red is the sign of optimum light levels ....not a lot and not dark but a bit is supposedly perfect.....I know my dens when under good light will get a red edge all the way around the very outside edge of each leaf just a thin line but when they have it they grow like weeds.....
I keep the light for my catts at the point that new eyes emerge redish or purple but then as they grow out nice green with just a hint of color.

And keep in mind that orchids that make purple blooms will show more of it than plants that make lighter colored blooms.Probably the same for darker reds as well.

[RobS]

Don't forget many Cattleya's need a lot of light if they are purple at least there is no shortage. If the leaves are completly green they might not flower. I like some purple in my Cattleya's and Encyclia's.

[LadyOrchid]

I was sooo worry and now when I see what you guys wrote seems that my Catts receive perfect light. They are little purpulish at edge of leaf and yes new growth just showed from eye is purpulish in color.
Now I am happy to know this ;-)

This forum is really great place!

[estación seca]

Most Cattleyas bloom best in the highest light you can give them without them burning. If you have a fan blowing on the plants to keep them cool, they can have even more sun.