Stanhope wardii leaf color question.

[Paul Mc]

My first Stan., and I noticed the leaves turning a bit pale later in the winter. I assumed at first it was due to either overwatering or too much light. Since the leaf tips were a bit singed looking, I assumed light but a few of the leaves were also looking wrinkled.

So now it's outside in a shaded area and the leaves continue to turn paler and a bit yellow. It has rained a lot in the past few days, but it's also been in the 90f here. The medium seems to dry quickly. It's also in a basket.

Any thoughts, and what color should the leaves really be?

[isurus79]

Any pics?

[Paul Mc]

Here are some pics. Sorry, it was getting dark when I posted last night so I couldn't get any pics.

[kevinanchi]

For best plant performance, it is desirable to match the correct plant with the available light conditions. Right plant, right place! Plants which do not receive sufficient light may become pale in color, have fewer leaves and a "leggy" stretched-out appearance. Also expect plants to grow slower and have fewer blooms when light is less than desirable. It is possible to provide supplemental lighting for indoor plants with lamps. Plants can also receive too much light. If a shade loving plant is exposed to direct sun, it may wilt and/or cause leaves to be sunburned or otherwise damaged.
Panic Attack Treatment


For more info check this Taxus media ( Wardii Yew )

[isurus79]

To be honest, the color of your leaves look like they are receiving light at the higher end of the tolerance range, which is good. Brighter conditions (relative to the species tolerance range) tends to give better blooms. The crinkled leaves are fairly characteristic of too little water at some point in the growth. How do the pseudobulbs look? Are they round and plump or more wrinkled?

[Paul Mc]

The Pbulbs look fairly good actually. One is a bit crinkly which is a sign of underwatering but I believe it actually came to me like that (bought in the fall of last year). Since I've had it, it has sprouted about 5 new tiny leaves and I've seen several good looking roots shoot out. So all in all I'd say it's fairly healthy.

I was just getting concerned because the leaves appear to be getting lighter and lighter, some have a yellowish tinge (which I understand is an overwatering result probably) and even the newer leaves have started turning a bit pale and yellowing a bit.

I actually have it positioned in a corner where it recieves absolutely no direct light. It's been hanging on a thick fence post (behind it) so it won't get any direct light. I have moved it now to behind a chair so it will get some morning light but no other light.

Perhaps I should move it back then?

[Paul Mc]

On a side note, I put them on the post when I first brought them out as I was a bit concerned about the leaf coloration and too much light. I only moved it yesterday as I was getting concerned that it may not be getting the kind of light it needs. If it doesn't storm today, I will be taking out my light meter and getting readings so I have a better idea of the light in the two places. My understanding has been that it wants to be between 2500 and 3500 fc's, with the higher being better for flower production.

[isurus79]

I actually grow my Stans fairly bright, closer to that of Cattleyas and have great success. I've never heard of Stan leaves turning yellow either from overwatering, but it is good to know. I would just leave it in one place and see how it does. If you are getting 5 new growths, it sounds like the plant is pretty healthy. Changing plant locations can be pretty stressful on a plant.

[Paul Mc]

Actually, don't take my word on the yellow and overwatering. I don't know for sure but it was my understanding about this.

Yeah, I know it can be stressful on plants which is why I opted for the more shaded/secluded area as opposed to where I thought it should be - especially considering it has been getting paler and a bit yellow with singed looking tips (dried and brown).