New Phal bellina... does it look too pale?

[RosieC]

I've just had a new Phal bellina (and my first species Phal) delivered to me and it looks very pale.

My pic is here but the camera has actually made it look greener than it seems in real life. It is more like the one in another members pictures here.http://www.orchidboard.com/community...tml#post261779



Do you think this colour looks OK. It has been in a box for about a week, but I'm still concerned it's paler than all my other phals.

[WhiteRabbit]

I'm not sure about bellina - but I do have a Phal. violacea which is also a very light green. I asked about it once and was told that was normal for that species. I've had it a bit over a year and it's still light green, new growth and all

[quiltergal]

Hi Rosie. Yes that's the normal color for bellina and violacea. The leaves are thinner also.

[RosieC]

Thanks Wrabbit. I've read futher down the thread where I saw the pic that looks the same colour as mine and someone there has suggeste it was about the right colour.

I'm still feeling a bit worried about it, but the roots look healthy so hopefully it is just normal.

When I search for images online they are all of the flowers and it's difficult to find one showing the leaves for comparision.

[RosieC]

Thanks Terri, looks like it was you who commented about the leaf colour on the other thread as well

OK, I'm feeling better now.

I also read on that thread that you thought it might do better in brighter light. I'm going to up the light slowly, starting quite dim as this guy has been completely in the dark for a week and I don't want to shock with too bright after that.

[jkofferdahl]

I agree. The plant looks quite healthy. The bellinas and violaceas tend to be a bit more pale in color; if they become as dark as most Phals they need more light.

[RosieC]

Thanks John

[Nic100]

Where did you get it Rosie? Looks like a nice plant!

[RosieC]

Hi Nic,

I got it from Großräschener Orchids in Germany, but I notice that they have already removed if from their website so I'm not sure if they still have it.

This is the second time I've ordered from them and I've been reasonably pleased each time, although I have noticed tiny snails on the plants both times so will be keeping the plants quarantined until I can get rid of those.

[Nic100]

Good to know about... thanks Rosie.