Too much light for P. stuartiana?

[Izzie]

Is it possible that too much light could piss off a Phal. stuartiana?

I have one that finally started putting out bunches of new roots and a new leaf a couple months ago after it had been saved and repotted a year ago. Darn those pouting species....

Anyways, the new leaf is turgid and lovely, but has stayed rather small. Not deformed, just got to an inch or so and decided to hang around and enjoy the view.

The plant is a foot away from a filtered south window, and has distinct anthocyanin (red) pigmentation on the leaf borders, as well as some purple spots on the new leaf.
These AREN'T an infection, just "orchid sunscreen." No burn is evident though, so I haven't moved it. I'm generally happy to see a little red.

It's continuing to grow roots and be pretty happy, but that leaf. It sits there. and mocks me.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

That can happen to a plant that has been damaged.

[Izzie]

This plant has not been damaged. As I said- happy and healthy, except for the leaf. Beautiful.....couch potato leaf.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Wasn't this the one where some of the roots were dying off?

[Izzie]

That was the P. aphrodite. Now recovering in some CHC after talking with some nurseries.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Orchids do adjust to their environment.

Maybe the heavier lighting just prompted the plant to grow smaller leaves, because that's as large as it really needed the leaf to grow in order to produce the necessary amount of sugars it needs.

[Izzie]

That's an interesting way of thinking about it. I'll have to talk to my bio prof about this, she'll love it.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Yeah, please do, ask about plant plasticity.

I've seen it happen with my Bulbophyllums. Very interesting stuff.

[Connie Star]

I have a Phal stuartiana that I got from J and L about 18 months ago, and put in S/H. It seems to be basically a small plant. The roots have done nicely since I figured out that there were too many minerals in my well water and started using rain or distilled. It seems to put out a new leaf about every 4-6 months, and it's never bloomed. I am trying to be patient with it.

[trdyl]

Izzie, from what you discribing it sounds normal. I have a couple of Phals that have heavy anthocyanin pigmentation when the leaves are young but after they mature the upper surface of the leaf turns green. As long as the leaves are not bleaching out, yellow to white, I would think your light levels are okay. Possibly on the high intensity side but still okay. Another thing to take into consideration is the temperature. If it gets too low the plant will stall leaf growth until it is warmer.