Cattleya Alliance Newbie Question--Puple New Growths

[c123anderson]

Hi everyone! I'm new to cattleyas/catt. hybrids, so I'm not as familiar with differences and what the differences are evidence of, if anything. My question, really, is do I have something where I need to adjust my plants and lighting (or something else) or is this possibly species differences and not to worry? All plants seem to be growing as expected, with new growth and new roots; I am not observing what appears to be any growth issues.

Here's the information:
I have two plant images. The first image is a Bc. Theresa Ricci and its new growth. The second image is a Lcn. Elizabeth Grace and its new growth.

History/conditions: It is currently mid spring/early summer here, with some long light days (14 hours or so ± 2 hours for dawn/dusk lower light). Both plants live in a grow area that's lighted by sunlight from a west-facing, opaque window.

Temps range from 68F-74F. Humidity from 40%-75%.

Theresa Ricci was purchased in November 2022 and has been in my grow area since then (approx. 6 months). It resides in the windowsill. It is the first image (8118) and has the purple growth and what looks like a second growth nub about to rupture from the existing bulb sheath, it looks like. Both items are circled in red on the image.

Elizabeth Grace was a cutting that I received and potted in February 2023 (approx. 3.5 months). It is currently about 18" away from the windowsill due to its size, but it's still receiving the same light but a little less intensity. It is the second image (7433) and has two green growths, both circled in red on the image.

I have read that cattleyas are sensitive to light, with purple spotting on leaves indicative that the plants are getting too much light. Neither plant seems to have spotting on leaves; I'm only seeing the purple on Theresa and on its new growth. I do have an Rlc. Amazing Thailand Rainbow that has a new growth that's purple, similar to Theresa, and it's got a little more light intensity as it's closer to the window like Theresa. It's just not as prominent of a growth, so I didn't include an image.

Thank you for your thoughts on this. I appreciate the wisdom and experience of the group weighing in on this.

[estación seca]

Those are all normal. Many Catts have purple shoots or spots or leaf edges in proper light.

[c123anderson]

Originally Posted by estación seca

Those are all normal. Many Catts have purple shoots or spots or leaf edges in proper light.

Thank you, estación. I couldn't find good info. about the issue but plenty of info. that could suggest a problem that I thought it would be wise to ask.

As always, I appreciate your thoughts. Thanks!

[Louis_W]

I consider anything less than purple tint and spotting on the leaves to be not enough light. I think your plants look great

[Roberta]

Also, both of these have parents with a lot lot of color. So with adequate light, the color will also show up in the leaves. Think "sun tan".

[c123anderson]

Originally Posted by Roberta

Also, both of these have parents with a lot lot of color. So with adequate light, the color will also show up in the leaves. Think "sun tan".

I like that, Roberta! Sun-tanned Cattleyas!

---------- Post added at 11:41 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:40 AM ----------

Originally Posted by Louis_W

I consider anything less than purple tint and spotting on the leaves to be not enough light. I think your plants look great

Thank you, Louis! I’m glad to know I’m on the right path as a catt newbie!

I really love my Dendrobiums, so this has been a fun new group to explore!

[Jmoney]

like what everyone said above, would suggest using the mature growths as indicators of adequate light levels. as they say, even light/med green. a little red is ok but if you have a ton of red that might be too much light (for most catts)