Warc/Coch Amazonica browning leaf tips

[Jinh]

So I purchased this as a very large, healthy specimen from Hausermann’s probably in 2020 or 2021. It had 3-4 large mature fans and 3 new growths. It was growing well, but I went on vacation and the path of the sun shifted some and this ended up getting direct summer sun. 😭

When I came home the whole thing was scorched. All of the fans/growths died. I held onto it and eventually from the ashes came a new tiny growth.

It has taken a fair amount of time to grow this small fan and has actually started a new fan finally.

However, a few months ago the tips started to brown and look wet (like an infection) when watered. But within a day or so, the brown spot would dry up and not progress. I tried repotting first thinking maybe some roots were starting to rot. The roots actually looked fantastic and pretty extensive. I had to use an extremely large pot compared to the size of the plant to accommodate all the roots.

So I thought maybe it was too wet. I started letting it dry more and then it developed accordion leaves.

Then I decided to water in some Physan 20. It still continued. So then I thought maybe it was the water quality (my tap is pretty close to a ph of 8, with a tds of 144).

I collected some rainwater and started using it, but still am getting the brown spots that only progress when watered.

All I can think now is that since it is a hot grower, it’s been a bit unhappy as temps have been cooler since it has been winter. I haven’t fertilized much since temps have been cooler.

Not sure what else to try, wondering if anyone had any suggestions.

[Roberta]

Good save! Those new roots look great.

This species is, in fact, a warm grower. It looks to me like it might be getting too much light - filtered sun or bright shade would be what it wants. The water quality doesn't seem like an issue... I grow the genus with city water that is a lot worse. I would not worry too much about the browning of the leaf tips. When you water, do water thoroughly (water running out of the pot) Can you keep it bit warmer? Phalaenopisis temps would be about right.

[Jinh]

Originally Posted by Roberta

Good save! Those new roots look great.

This species is, in fact, a warm grower. It looks to me like it might be getting too much light - filtered sun or bright shade would be what it wants. The water quality doesn't seem like an issue... I grow the genus with city water that is a lot worse. I would not worry too much about the browning of the leaf tips. When you water, do water thoroughly (water running out of the pot) Can you keep it bit warmer? Phalaenopisis temps would be about right.

I usually soak it to water. I’ll try less light, though it’s only been under a pretty weak (5w) T5 Barrina LED light in a grow cabinet. Temps should be correcting on their own … we already hit 94 F one day this last week.

[Lil Duck]

The top leaf is showing some accordioning which is a sign it is drying out too much.

[Jinh]

Originally Posted by Lil Duck

The top leaf is showing some accordioning which is a sign it is drying out too much.

Yes, I had mentioned that in my original post. I thought I would try keeping it drier and see if that helped, only to find that it developed accordion leaves.

[Roberta]

With these high temperatures, probably water more frequently. I keep this genus pretty wet and the plants seem to like that.

[DirtyCoconuts]

i grow this one in a 4" deep dish, the pot sits inside and is about 7" tall. all inorganic medium. it likes to be wet if the temps are normal and warm.

every time i mess up and it dries out it takes a set back

[Jinh]

I had been keeping it wet, but when the tips of the leaves kept browning I thought maybe it was too much and tried letting it dry some. Then the leaves started the accordion look, so I started keeping it wet again. Then tried Physan, a repot, and cleaner water. It is still doing it and no one seems to know what it is. It is putting out new growth though, so I guess I’ll just leave it be.

Originally Posted by DirtyCoconuts

i grow this one in a 4" deep dish, the pot sits inside and is about 7" tall. all inorganic medium. it likes to be wet if the temps are normal and warm.

every time i mess up and it dries out it takes a set back

[estación seca]

Most of the time browning leaf tips on wet forest tropical plants are either not enough water, water with excessive mineral content or low humidity.