Wrinkly leaves - Orchid Board

Orchitty · #1 10-22-2017, 12:30 AM

Hi folks. I have a Cat. amethystoglossum whose leaves seem to be dehydrating. I don't understand why because it has a healthy root system. I changed the media as soon as I got it several months ago and since then, it's grown a healthy new pseudobulb with healthy roots. Only thing I can think of is that it's getting too much light as I have it just a few inches below an LED grow light. Any ideas? Or does this particular orchid just have leaves that get this way?

Nexogen · #2 10-22-2017, 09:36 AM

Plant looks good, leaves look so because of low humidity and strong light.

Orchitty · #3 10-22-2017, 12:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nexogen

Plant looks good, leaves look so because of low humidity and strong light.

Hmm... good thought. I'll try increasing humidity and moving it. Had not thought about that because others around it seem to be fine.

katrina · #4 10-22-2017, 12:12 PM

Was this a recent division when you got it? If so, the older leaves can do this...the older roots are usually damaged during the division process and can't take up nutrients and water sufficiently. The old growths then get sapped of energy as the plants makes new growths. Not at all unusual in that case and as long as those new growths develop fine, the plant will be fine. The older leaves will continue to shrivel up and brown out and you can trim them off when they are crispy.

If not a division, then yes, I would say maybe too much light.

Orchitty · #5 10-22-2017, 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by katrina

Was this a recent division when you got it? If so, the older leaves can do this...the older roots are usually damaged during the division process and can't take up nutrients and water sufficiently. The old growths then get sapped of energy as the plants makes new growths. Not at all unusual in that case and as long as those new growths develop fine, the plant will be fine. The older leaves will continue to shrivel up and brown out and you can trim them off when they are crispy.

If not a division, then yes, I would say maybe too much light.

Thanks. I'm not sure if it was a division. At least I don't believe there were obvious signs of it when I repotted. Guess I'll move it and keep an eye on it.

Nexogen · #6 10-22-2017, 01:36 PM

I have some Cattleya dolosa that looks exactly like your plant. I say do not worry, bifoliate are more temperamental. Katrina is right, as long as those new growths develop fine, the plant will be fine.

If I not mistaken, the plant is called Cattleya amethystoglossa.

Orchitty · #7 10-22-2017, 05:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nexogen

I have some Cattleya dolosa that looks exactly like your plant. I say do not worry, bifoliate are more temperamental. Katrina is right, as long as those new growths develop fine, the plant will be fine.

If I not mistaken, the plant is called Cattleya amethystoglossa.

Good to know. Thanks!

Gthumbz89 · #8 10-23-2017, 04:26 AM

Old bulbs on cats can look nasty if those bulbs have bad roots. Your new growths and roots look good so there is no need to worry. Give it time and it will completely recover.

Be careful with leds I burn leaves on cats with mine sometimes. The plants didn't react very quick to the light so it snuck up on me.

Orchitty · #9 10-24-2017, 11:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gthumbz89

Old bulbs on cats can look nasty if those bulbs have bad roots. Your new growths and roots look good so there is no need to worry. Give it time and it will completely recover.

Be careful with leds I burn leaves on cats with mine sometimes. The plants didn't react very quick to the light so it snuck up on me.

Thanks! That's reassuring. Yes. I've had to move some small dendrobiums out from under the light because they started losing their leaves. My catts have been ok though. Probably because I've had them outside all summer.

cattmad · #10 10-27-2017, 08:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Orchitty

Hi folks. I have a Cat. amethystoglossum whose leaves seem to be dehydrating. I don't understand why because it has a healthy root system. I changed the media as soon as I got it several months ago and since then, it's grown a healthy new pseudobulb with healthy roots. Only thing I can think of is that it's getting too much light as I have it just a few inches below an LED grow light. Any ideas? Or does this particular orchid just have leaves that get this way?

Looking at he photos I don't think the light is the real issue, but if the plant is close to the light and it is hot it may contribute to the problem but it is not the cause.
Looking at the open bark and the nice strong roots it is seems to me that the plant is dehydrating due to lack of water. Suggest you water a little more often (can't suggest how much as I don't know your growing conditions) but don't go to the other extreme, plus daily or more misting to the leaves would be very beneficial in assisting to remedy the problem. Hope this is helpful.