Leathery Leaves

[Nannyfly]

Hi, I joined orchid board today and have a question about a gift orchid (Le. Tropical Pointer). The leaves are now leathery. I water by running water through the potting mixture but it nevers seems to stay moist. What am I doing wrong?
Thanks!

[addictedcountryman]

i soak mine once week for ten minutes. I also place them on top of humidity trays (Trays filled with water and pebbles, but the water is just below the top of the pebbles to avoid wicking up the pots). If you do decide to soak, make sure you change the water in between plants because you can transfer diseases/bugs, etc. sometimes the tops dry out and so i mist them, but also hava to make sure to put a fan on them to prevent crown rot. hope this helps.

[Ross]

Originally Posted by Nannyfly

Hi, I joined orchid board today and have a question about a gift orchid (Le. Tropical Pointer). The leaves are now leathery. I water by running water through the potting mixture but it nevers seems to stay moist. What am I doing wrong?
Thanks!

First of all, welcome to the board!

As to the watering, it depends on the type of ocrchid you are watering. Certain plants want to remain dryish between waterings. Others want to remain damp. Few orchids want to remain wet between waterings. You might be doing nothing wrong - depends on the orchid.

[Nannyfly]

Thanks, I'll try soaking and follow your tips.

[Dorothy]

It's Lc. Tropical Pointer - here are a few other threads on this Lealiocattleya -

Lc. Tropical Pointer -spotted pink
Lc. Tropical Pointer "Cheetah"
and
Spoted cattleya
BTW-
to OB

[Orchidaholic]

With the leathery leaves, did the leaves also lose some color? Meaning did it go from a nice green to almost a drab olive color? If so It could be getting too much light(not adjusted to the high light) and/or getting to high temps during the daytime hours.

[Nannyfly]

Dorothy, thank you for the links...will check them out momentarily!
Orchidaholic...the leaves have remained green so I don't think light is an issue. Since my first posting, I repotted the orchid...most of the roots were mushy! Therefore, the poor plant was unable to get enough water. It is now repotted and I will hope for the best. Tlhank you all!