Max. uncata recently growing darker and harder

[whygreenberg]

I can't seem to find much here on the OB about people growing this particular sp. However, I suspect my problem is less species-specific, though I can't for the life of me figure out what cultural issue I may be dealing with.

I've had Max. uncata now since mid-Feb. mounted on cork. Fairly small but good sized blooming plant. Ever since I received it, it has been growing like gang-busters! It seems like every day I notice a new leaf+pBulb sprouting. Has not yet flowered under my care.

However, my problem is this. I'd say that in the last maybe two weeks or so, new leaves & pBulbs are growing in a much darker color, and for lack of a better word, are harder, perhaps drier. One new one actually snapped half-way down the pBulb. Not all the new growths are so bad tho. And the kicker is, it's growing conditions have really not changed at all. If anything, it may be getting an ever-so-slightly less direct hit from the fan.

Kinda stumped, and since this guy has been such a great grower for me...

Any thoughts are much appreciated from all you wise-ones here.