Brassavola cordata with really red leaves

[ChasWG]

Is this an OK condition for this orchid? It's getting a lot of light in my orchid enclosure I built. Roughly about 370 watts of 2 x 6500K and 1 x 3000K CFL's and 1 growlight floro tube. I have used my digi-SLR camera to get basic readings of light at the leaf level and it seems to be around 4000 to 4500 fc of light. (a new, proper light meter is on it's way to me as I type) Also, and not measured, is the East facing window that gives morning sunlight to the upper shelf of the enclosure. Which is where the Brass. is located. So this plant is recieving more light than what I believe it is.

So, too much sun and the leaves are burning so I should move it OR the plant really likes it and I should leave it alone? And, will these leaves ever return to the pretty green?

BTW, I did move it back out of the most lite area to a slightly less bright area. Still it gets the natural sunlight, but less CFL light.

[Ross]

Playing around with the location should always be done over lots of time so the plant can get acclimated. Reddish tinge, especially on the ends of the leaves is fine. Dark red - bordering towards brown - might be too much light. While the plant can probably take that much light, it usually will result in dessication, if not watered frequently. Watch that the roots don't stay wet or they'll die and rot. This will simply add to the dessication of the leaves. It is hard to spot until too late because the leaves store lots of water when they can get it.

[Becky15349]

Dito to what ross said above. A reddish tinge to the leaves isn't bad, and is common when you have plants in high light - its usually plants with blooms that are red, orange, or dark purple, and these plants will naturally produce more anthrocyanin pigments due to the bloom colors. These pigments show up in the leaves when there is high light. You don't want the leaves to burn though - make sure you have adequate air movement if you have high light (not just air circulation, but actual air MOVING around the leaves, this helps to prevent leaf burn and root rot) and keep on top of your watering. Its a balancing act, but you should be able to master it if you try! good luck

[dave b]

I have a Brassavola nodoa 'Little Stars' whose leaves easily turn purple, whereas, my regular nodosas tend to stay more green. The leaves are not burning, the pigment coloration is quite normal for brassavolas. Given that the flowers are pure white, it has little to do with flower color in this genera. Unless the leaves are warm or hot to the touch, i wouldnt worry about it with mine. Just means high light for blooms in my book.

[isurus79]

I grow mine with brilliant purple leaves because I try to grow all my plants at the upper end of their light range. High light (without burning) tends produce bigger, better p-bulbs which then translates into better blooms (ie. more flowers with better color). Red/purple is fine, black and yellow are bad colors. Make sure there is plenty of air movement and (to Ross' point) make sure your plant is getting adequate water. These guys tend to like to be on the dry side and are very forgiving, so you should be ok. Just watch the leaves for any shrivelage. I will post pics in the next few days of a B. cordata in bloom with very purple leaves. Thats how I grow all my Brassavolas and they love it!

[Royal]

I have B. cordata, B. nodosa, and their offspring B. Little Stars. The new growths on my cordata are the darkest red of the three. It's leaves when mature are also the most terete of the three. I'm sure you're OK as long as you are cautious.

[ChasWG]

Thanks for all the help folks! I have been watching the watering with this orchid. And there is a great deal of air movement because of a 6" fan that's not too far away. The leaves are not hot to the touch nor are they shriveled. The leaves are growing nicely with 5 new leaves growing at a very quick rate.

When I said "red" what I really ment was a reddish-purple actually. That and I didn't move the plant too far away out of the very strong light. Only a few inches, but enough to slow down the amount of light it's getting by a couple hundred fc I think. I can't wait to get my new light meter. I think that'll help me some.

[ChasWG]

Update, a brand new leaf has been spotted! It's quickly growing right out of the bark. And the other newer leaves are already reaching the hight of the oldest, more mature leaves. I've seen common garden weeds grow less quickly than this little monster!
I'm staying on top of the watering, not too often or wet and not too dry. I have also slowly removed it from even more light. But untill I get my light meter I'm just guessing. Should be here this coming week.