Laelia gouldiana - purple leaves

[aquanut415]

so my Laelia gouldiana has come out of its winter sleep, but the leaves this year are turning more of a purple hue than I have ever noticed in previous years.
the plants new leaves in years past have tuned purpleish, but this year all the leaves on the plant have really turned a deep purple/maroon. the plant has bloomed where its at now for the last 4 years, so im hesitant to move it.
is it an indicator of too much light? or just a healthy plant?

[Ross]

Lots of light. Too much? doubt it. But if you can move it or shade it just a bit that would be better. The purple color is the plant's response to protect the chlorophil. My experience with plants grown this way is dismal. I have a Brassavola right now pooping out on me from too much light under t5 florescents.

[isurus79]

Hmmmm..... i have to disagree with Ross on this one. My experience is that Cattleya types with lots of purple and red on the leaves and bulbs grow much better than those that dont. The only thing is that there needs to be enough water and air circulation to promote this type of growth and to prevent burning. I have a Catt maxima, B. nodosa and Rynch. digbyana with brilliantly red and purple leaves and bulbs that are growing and blooming very prolifically. Im a big fan of growing your 'chids at the top end of their light requirements and it seems to pay off for me. Just my

[Royal]

I like pushing them too, giving the highest light before they burn. Spring time is just little bit of a shock sometimes. The weather is warmer and the days are longer. I'd try to shade them a bit (as Ross suggested), but then bring it back to its normal spot (as Steve suggested) over a period of time. The bright light is good, just not all of a sudden.

[aquanut415]

so why is it more purple this year than in the past?

[Royal]

Maybe a more abrupt seasonal change. Maybe a darker winter. Maybe the trees are leafing out later this year. Maybe Ross is right and it just squeaked by the last few years.

[aquanut415]

i doubt its just barely getting by. just last year it made about 8-10 new bulbs, and it made many more and larger spikes than its ever made. now this year, the growth has all turned this new shade or purple. roots are growing very healthy, and im already seeing about 1-2 new bulbs on every bulb older than a 2 years.

im just surprised after so long in the same spot under similar conditions, im seeing this new leaf color.

[Royal]

Yeah, plants are weird sometimes. It sounds like you're dong just fine. I'd just keep an eye on it then.

[Mahon]

Originally Posted by isurus79

Hmmmm..... i have to disagree with Ross on this one. My experience is that Cattleya types with lots of purple and red on the leaves and bulbs grow much better than those that dont.

...I can't get Hoffmannseggella liliputana to bloom without sticking this lithophytic species in full Florida sun. Leaves turn completely purple/red, and produce its solitary bloom. They don't seem to flower in lower light.

I do find that most Cattleya with red and purpling leaves from high light tend to show disfavor for the conditions (except for Cattleya schilleriana!)...

-Pat