P. veitchiana x equestris leaves

[Val]

The leaves of my P. veitchiana x equestris have reddish edges, and I think the cause might be to much light. However, given the 1/4 schilleriana in its lineage (since veitchiana = schilleriana x equestris), this reddish tinge might also be the influence of schilleriana, regardless of the light level.

Do you think it's the light? Should I place my P. veitchiana x equestris in a shadier spot?

[sweetjblue]

It would be hard to say without first seeing the plant in question so...... please.

Judi

[Val]

Here are some pictures:
1. Keiki leaves. They're younger and probably more sensitive, so the reddish tint is more evident on them.
2. Leaf on the mother plant.
3. More keiki leaves.

P. veitchiana X equestris isn't supposed to have mottled leaves (not even P. veitchiana has it), but some red/purple coloration could be inherited. However, this uneven coloration only appears when the plant receives a certain level of light (higher).

[sweetjblue]

Val, as you've stated they are receiving a higher light level and I think that is the problem. Just my
The purplish coloration appears to be concentrated on the tips and edges of the leaves (more so on the keikis).
Move them back a few inches or place a sheer curtain between them and the window. That should take care of it.
Phals can only take bright direct early eastern or late western sun in the summer months. In winter they may be placed in a southern exposure as the sun is lower on the horizon and not as intense. But you should keep an eye out for any signs of stress just in case.
Let us know how you make out and GL.

Judi

[Val]

Thanks, Judi!

In theory, this P. veitchiana X equestris is very well placed: 8" (20 cm) from a bay window with Northern exposure, no direct sun at all. Apparently, this light level is more than enough for it.

By contrast, bellina and cornu-cervi thrive on a N-NW windowsill with direct sun after 7PM (in July). Bellina's leaves turned yellowish, but it started to grow a third spike while the other two spikes only started a month ago. Cornu-cervi's leaves are just light green, and it's growing roots and new leaves while also blooming.

When it comes light requirements, equestris and cornu-cervi seem to be the extremes in my Phalaenopsis collection.

[sweetjblue]

Val,

So obviously they aren't getting to much light where you have them placed. I misunderstood when you said they were in higher light.
I would then tend to believe what you stated in the beginning.
"However, given the 1/4 schilleriana in its lineage (since veitchiana = schilleriana x equestris), this reddish tinge might also be the influence of schilleriana, regardless of the light level."
Regardless, keep an eye on them and let us know how you make out.

Judi

[Val]

Originally Posted by sweetjblue

So obviously they aren't getting to much light where you have them placed. I misunderstood when you said they were in higher light.

Several weeks ago it was placed some 8" (20 cm) further away from the bay window, and there was no purplish coloration. Then I moved it a little closer to the window because it was stil carying many keikis and I wanted to help it.

Originally Posted by sweetjblue

I would then tend to believe what you stated in the beginning.
"However, given the 1/4 schilleriana in its lineage (since veitchiana = schilleriana x equestris), this reddish tinge might also be the influence of schilleriana, regardless of the light level."
Regardless, keep an eye on them and let us know how you make out.

There is a connection between the light level and the purplish coloration: the coloration does not occur on parts of the leaves that are masked by other leaves. What I don't know is whether this coloration (triggered by a slightly higher light level) should interpreted as a stress signal or not.

Anyway, i'll move the plant back to where it was several weeks ago, and I'll watch for its reaction.

[Val]

Follow-up: moved it a little further away from the window and it does great. It's been getting lower light than all my Phals.

I was reluctant to do this, but the effects are clear: purplish coloration on mother plant's leaves vanished, while ALL the keikis bloomed.

And now I think I understand what the "stress factor" was when the 14 keikis "exploded": much more light than it likes. Must be the influence of equestris, which doesn't like much light.

[glengary54]

The reddish/purple tinge that you were seeing was just the plants way of telling you that it was at the extreme of it's light tolerance. Listen to your plants and you can never go wrong. Good catch on your part.

[Val]

Originally Posted by glengary54

The reddish/purple tinge that you were seeing was just the plants way of telling you that it was at the extreme of it's light tolerance.

That's my conclusion too.

Originally Posted by glengary54

Listen to your plants and you can never go wrong.

I couldn't agree more! But you have to know the "language" in order to understand the "message". And this is where the collective experience of OB members can be invaluable.