Phal leaves turning dark green/purple, healthy otherwise - Orchid Board

cutie_monster · #1 03-30-2013, 04:35 PM

hello fellow-orchid lovers! another question today, here goes... i bought a noid phal about 4 months or so ago, but in the last few weeks, it's leaves have started turning a real dark green & sorta purplish color. i first noticed the change several weeks back, but because the color change was so gradual, i didn't pay it no mind. well, couple more weeks went by, and it *really* got more noticable. i went online and read most likely that it was light-related and as long as the leaves weren't getting sun burned that it would prolly be ok, and that the plant was at max light. i also read on another thread that it could be genetic, saying that peehaps the line it was bred from could have had darker leaves and/or flowers. however, i don't *think* that's the case because this particular phal blooms are light yellow in color. here are some pics of the phal...

Untitled by big_cutie_monster, on Flickr

Untitled by big_cutie_monster, on Flickr

in the photos above, you can see how the color change is dispersed evenly throughout the top leaves.

Untitled by big_cutie_monster, on Flickr

on the bottom leaf, the color change is prmarily on the part that is exposed to sunlight. (the white spots are where water dried on the leaves)

Untitled by big_cutie_monster, on Flickr

Untitled by big_cutie_monster, on Flickr

you can see through the holes in the pot and on top of the pot as well that this phal is very healthy. it has put out several new roots, and also the existing roots are very healthy & growing as well. (this phal was watered today) also, this phal has smooth, shiny, stiff leaves that have no sign of distress other than the gradual color shift.

Untitled by big_cutie_monster, on Flickr
this is a comparison photo. you can see that the phal is much darker than the one in the red pot, even though they are situated side-by-side in the same window & receive the exact same amount of light.

my main concern is if this phal will continue to thrive? is it normal for this to happen to certain phals? would you suggest this phal should be moved to another location? thank you in advance for any suggestions. brandy

Ordphien · #2 03-30-2013, 04:46 PM

I have a few phals that just have dark dark leaves. And sun only makes them darker and more purple...
I also have one that has incredibly bright light lime green leaves...
They vary alot.

You can try upping the light if you want...

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Jinx · #3 03-30-2013, 05:05 PM

Is the dark leaf phal a dark color of orchid? Like dark pink or purple? Mine that are dark colored flowers have a bit darker leaves =) Looks really healthy tho!

cutie_monster · #4 03-30-2013, 05:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jinx

Is the dark leaf phal a dark color of orchid? Like dark pink or purple? Mine that are dark colored flowers have a bit darker leaves =) Looks really healthy tho!

no, this phal's bloom color is actually a light yellow with a pink center. idk the name of that particular color and i don't have any pics of it while in bloom, but it looks alot like this photo i got from google images...

Orchid Photo Gallery - Doritaenopsis Sogo Romantic 'JY'

Gail · #5 03-30-2013, 06:18 PM

Photo #5 shows a clear delineation. Couldn't/wouldn't that be a potential problem or just a matter of light on that side of the leaf?

NYCorchidman · #6 03-30-2013, 06:23 PM

It has nothing to do with flower colors. Some phals have dark green leaves. some have purple hint, which does get intensified when exposed to high light.
I have two that does this. one is white with dark purple spotts and the other one is white with red lip.

cutie_monster · #7 03-30-2013, 08:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NYCorchidman

It has nothing to do with flower colors. Some phals have dark green leaves. some have purple hint, which does get intensified when exposed to high light.
I have two that does this. one is white with dark purple spotts and the other one is white with red lip.

does that mean that the plant is getting too much light then? the other phal in the red pot seems ok, and they are in the same location. if this phal is especially sensitive to light, then do you think i should move it some place with less light? what i'm asking is the color change a sign of stress, or is it just a benign reaction?

SJF · #8 03-31-2013, 08:07 AM

Some do have darker leaves and tinges of purple. Just watch it and make sure the leaves don't feel hot to the touch or they can get sunburned

cutie_monster · #9 03-31-2013, 11:22 AM

thank you again everyone for the input! like i said earlier, it really seems like its doing great apart from the change in leaf color, but i will watch it closely for any signs of stress.

tucker85 · #10 03-31-2013, 11:39 AM

If a phal's leaves are getting darker, it's usually an indication that it's getting less light than it was before. The plant is producing more chlorophyll in an attempt to collect more light for photosynthesis. That doesn't necessarily mean that the plant needs more light. Commercial growers give the plants as much light as they will tolerate in order to grow them faster. When grown in more light, an orchid's leaves will turn a lighter green color. If an orchid is getting much more light than it's used to, it will start getting maroon colored freckles. The leaves and roots on your orchid look healthy so just leave it where you want it and see if it blooms next year. If your other phal has bloomed in that location, that would indicate that there's sufficient light.