Leaves Turn Purple Under New Light

[Stray59]

I also think it is a light issue. You can always check this by putting a little piece of black tape on a green area and then face it toward the light; if it is a light issue, the area under the tape will remain green while the other turns purple. Phalaenopsis tend to show a lot of purple under strong light and they often develop purple under the leaves regardless of the light.
I would be careful though, as this is sort of an mild orchid sunburn. When I get this reaction, especially if it is wide-spread, I move the plants out of the light a little more, or move the light further away. The development of purple on the upper leaf is the plant trying to shade itself, just like a human tan. The better bulbs are giving better light, so the plants are trying to accommodate that by turning dark. If the light were any stronger I believe that you would see burn area develop.
If they were mine, I think I would move the light to 9- or 10 inches away, as they are obviously at their peak of light absorption.
They look really strong! Good luck -
Steve

[MelanieAt]

Originally Posted by Stray59

I also think it is a light issue. You can always check this by putting a little piece of black tape on a green area and then face it toward the light; if it is a light issue, the area under the tape will remain green while the other turns purple. Phalaenopsis tend to show a lot of purple under strong light and they often develop purple under the leaves regardless of the light.
I would be careful though, as this is sort of an mild orchid sunburn. When I get this reaction, especially if it is wide-spread, I move the plants out of the light a little more, or move the light further away. The development of purple on the upper leaf is the plant trying to shade itself, just like a human tan. The better bulbs are giving better light, so the plants are trying to accommodate that by turning dark. If the light were any stronger I believe that you would see burn area develop.
If they were mine, I think I would move the light to 9- or 10 inches away, as they are obviously at their peak of light absorption.
They look really strong! Good luck -
Steve

Thanks Steve. I have other orchids under the same light at the same distance and they aren't blushing like this one so I think it's a combo of lighting and genetics at work. So far, they all seem pretty happy. But if I see the blushing turning into more severe burns, I will move it.

[isurus79]

Originally Posted by MelanieAt

Thanks Steve. I have other orchids under the same light at the same distance and they aren't blushing like this one so I think it's a combo of lighting and genetics at work. So far, they all seem pretty happy. But if I see the blushing turning into more severe burns, I will move it.

You actually hit on a good point here. Plants that "blush" more easily in sun will usually have darker flowers than those of the same species that don't "blush" quite as easily. Its a good trick to remember when picking out unbloomed seedlings as it gives a vague idea of what the color will be when it finally does bloom.

[MelanieAt]

Thanks Isurus, I'm so excited to see it bloom. It's an accidental NOID, and was sold at half price as a result. I love darker flowers. I'll make sure to post photos when it does finally bloom.


Life is like flowers, love is its honey. -Unknown

[Stray59]

Hey guys!
Good call isurus79 - I knew that but had forgotten it! This seems especially true with phalaenopsis, at least in my experience. Often, the only phalae with plain green leaves is a pure white one! And it often holds true that the darker the leaves and bloom stem, the darker the bloom, just as you said.
Have you guys seen the dyed blue phalae's - even the foliage picks up the dye if you look close. I saw one the other day that had vivid blue streaks in the leaves, especially near the base. Really odd looking - but that is a different thread! But, I think this shows the relation between leaf coloring and bloom coloring; obviously some of the bloom color is carried into the leaf in some form. I bet one of the science guys could answer this for us on a molecular level
Steve

[MelanieAt]

Originally Posted by Stray59

Have you guys seen the dyed blue phalae's - even the foliage picks up the dye if you look close. I saw one the other day that had vivid blue streaks in the leaves, especially near the base. Really odd looking - but that is a different thread! But, I think this shows the relation between leaf coloring and bloom coloring; obviously some of the bloom color is carried into the leaf in some form. I bet one of the science guys could answer this for us on a molecular level
Steve

Well I learned something new thanks to you. The pure green leaved phals give white blooms. that correlates with my mini NOID phal.

I have a paph with a super dark flower and its mottled leaves have a purple central 'vein' under the leaves. So I think you might also be onto something with paphs.

[Stray59]

melanie;
Not as versed in paphs as phalae's, but it holds to reason that this may be true. Don't hold this as gospel, but it seems to be a good rule of thumb!
Steve
- love these smiles.

[escualida]

Originally Posted by Stray59

LMAO so random

[isurus79]

Originally Posted by Stray59

melanie;
Not as versed in paphs as phalae's, but it holds to reason that this may be true. Don't hold this as gospel, but it seems to be a good rule of thumb!
Steve
- love these smiles.

Just remember you have to compare like species or crosses for this to work. For example, when picking out a seedling Cattleya schilleriana I would pick out any with darker colored leaves when compared with other Catt. schilleriana. This comparison would not work if I compared it to a different species or a different hybrid of some sort. I just wanted to make that simple, though VERY important rule clear!!

[Stray59]

Another good catch isurus79!
As you said, a VERY important point, as each species or cross will have it's own 'blush' - some will naturally have this coloring and the darker color could have nothing to do with flower color, but rather light exposure, fertilizer availability, or even foliage variation within the species. But, this does see, to hold true with phalaenopsis and perhaps phaps!
There is sooooo much to remember since we are dealing with the largest plant family in the world. (Will not speak of the entire universe, as I have not explored that as thoroughly yet, but I have enough to deal with here.......)
Steve