The Orchid Garden

cattleya orchid has got a purple cast on leaves

Question:

I’m growing them under flourescents, and it seems to be getting worse. They are the first orchids I’ve tried, so I don’t know what the problem is or whether it is natural. thanks. daudelus.

Response:

How close are the leaves to the bulbs? I grew a Cattleya pretty darn close to the flourescent bulbs before without noting a purple cast. It may just have been the plant though (Catt Bow Bells), it is now in a bright window and still does not have a purple tinge. Scott – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m growing them under flourescents, and it seems to be getting worse. They are the first orchids I’ve tried, so I don’t know what the problem is or whether it is natural. thanks. daudelus.

Response:

Catts which have red or purple flowers also have the pigment in their foliage.  When grown under bright light, the pigment will show in the foliage.  This is nothing to worry about, in fact it’s a good sign. However, it can be hard for the beginner to distinguish from the reddish discoloration caused by cold damage and/or magnesium deficiency.  If you suspect either of the latter, a dose of Epsom Salts [1 tbs./gal] may help. Good growing, Kenni F. Judd Juno Beach Orchids http://www.jborchids.com – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m growing them under flourescents, and it seems to be getting worse. They are the first orchids I’ve tried, so I don’t know what the problem is or whether it is natural. thanks. daudelus.

Response:

Catts which have red or purple flowers also have the pigment in their foliage.  When grown under bright light, the pigment will show in the foliage.  This is nothing to worry about, in fact it’s a good sign. However, it can be hard for the beginner to distinguish from the reddish discoloration caused by cold damage and/or magnesium deficiency.  If you suspect either of the latter, a dose of Epsom Salts [1 tbs./gal] may help. Good growing, Kenni F. Judd Juno Beach Orchids http://www.jborchids.com

This cattleya has a pink flower. It is also a very young orchid, and only in a 3 1/2 in. pot. Cold damage seems like a possibility…could you explain it a little further.  Does it just mean that days or nights are lower than ideal? This could be the case for me. thanks for the response, daudelus.

Response:

That explains why the Bow Bells (a white and yellow flower) does not recieve purple tints while other Catts in the same area do. Thanks! Scott – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Catts which have red or purple flowers also have the pigment in their foliage.  When grown under bright light, the pigment will show in the foliage.  This is nothing to worry about, in fact it’s a good sign. However, it can be hard for the beginner to distinguish from the reddish discoloration caused by cold damage and/or magnesium deficiency.  If you suspect either of the latter, a dose of Epsom Salts [1 tbs./gal] may help. Good growing, Kenni F. Judd Juno Beach Orchids http://www.jborchids.com I’m growing them under flourescents, and it seems to be getting worse. They are the first orchids I’ve tried, so I don’t know what the problem is or whether it is natural. thanks. daudelus.

Response:

I’m growing them under flourescents, and it seems to be getting worse. They are the first orchids I’ve tried, so I don’t know what the problem is or whether it is natural. thanks. daudelus.

It is most likely the pigment because it is a colored flower, if the flower is pink or purple it will have the colored leafs. If its cold damage, then you would have to just about freeze it for over 3 hours to get that kinda of damage. I dont think its cold damage unless you are leaving them outside in freezing temps. Cats are strong plants and do not damage that easy. Hope this helps. Rob http://fly.hiwaay.net/~rjmartin/Orchids.html

Response:

I’m growing them under flourescents, and it seems to be getting worse. They are the first orchids I’ve tried, so I don’t know what the problem is or whether it is natural. thanks. daudelus.

This sounds like sun tan to me. Do not exceed the light levels you currently have. Another possibility is Malathion use, which sometimes will turn the foliage on Catts purple. -Rod- Venger’s Orchids Website http://www.vengers.com/ Basic Culture CD-ROM: http://vengers.com/demo/cd.htm

Response:

It is most likely the pigment because it is a colored flower, if the flower is pink or purple it will have the colored leafs. If its cold damage, then you would have to just about freeze it for over 3 hours to get that kinda of damage. I dont think its cold damage unless you are leaving them outside in freezing temps. Cats are strong plants and do not damage that easy. Hope this helps. Rob http://fly.hiwaay.net/~rjmartin/Orchids.html

That eases my mind a little…thanks! daudelus.

Response:

There is nothing wrong with your plant. It is the equivalent of suntan. Iris, Zone 5a, Sunset Zone 40 "The trouble with people is not that they don’t know but that they know so much that ain’t so."  Josh Billings, 1818-1885.

Response:

<< C. (sic) Bow Bells is now in a bright window and still does not have a purple tinge. C. Bow Bells is white. It will never develop any purple pigment, any more than an albino person will develop a suntan. Iris, Zone 5a, Sunset Zone 40 "The trouble with people is not that they don’t know but that they know so much that ain’t so."  Josh Billings, 1818-1885.

Response:

Filed under: Orchid Flower

Related Posts