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Nov 6, 2015 9:12 AM CST
Thread OP
Name: lindsey
wesley chapel, fl
Charter ATP Member I was one of the first 300 contributors to the plant database! Orchids Photo Contest Winner 2021 Photo Contest Winner 2023
One of my ( NOID for the moment ) plants that spent the last 2 years living in shade and has been gradually moved from light shade to more normal growing light has suddenly changed...

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Some of the leaves are taking on a burgundy hue.. I don't think it's sunburn..
( but I've been wrong about quite a few things before! Rolling on the floor laughing )
The plant is throwing out a tremendous number of impressive roots...
What do you folks think?
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Nov 6, 2015 9:17 AM CST
Moderator
Name: Ursula
Fair Lawn NJ, zone 7a
Orchids Plumerias Cactus and Succulents Region: New Jersey Region: Pennsylvania Native Plants and Wildflowers
Greenhouse Ponds Keeper of Koi Forum moderator Lover of wildlife (Black bear badge) Adeniums
If the now darker leaves are firm to the touch, I wouldn't worry.
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Nov 6, 2015 3:03 PM CST
Thread OP
Name: lindsey
wesley chapel, fl
Charter ATP Member I was one of the first 300 contributors to the plant database! Orchids Photo Contest Winner 2021 Photo Contest Winner 2023
thanks...the leaves look and feel fine to me...It might be just borderline too much sun..I've seen this much more subtlety before..this happened almost overnight which seemed unusual ..
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Nov 6, 2015 3:52 PM CST
Name: Elaine
Sarasota, Fl
The one constant in life is change
Amaryllis Tropicals Multi-Region Gardener Orchids Master Gardener: Florida Irises
Herbs Region: Florida Vegetable Grower Daylilies Birds Cat Lover
It could also be a magnesium deficiency - get some Epsom Salts. Btw, are you watering your orchids with well water by any chance? The well water here is high pH and also high in Phosphorus which can bind some of the minerals that the orchids need - like magnesium. You can test your water with an aquarium test kit from Petsmart. It's good to know the pH of your water, both tap and well water.

I water once a week with rain water c/w a tablespoon of Epsom Salts per gallon of water. Lately also been fertilizing with a fert low in Phosphorus (middle number).
Elaine

"Success is stumbling from failure to failure with no loss of enthusiasm." –Winston Churchill
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Nov 6, 2015 9:28 PM CST
Thread OP
Name: lindsey
wesley chapel, fl
Charter ATP Member I was one of the first 300 contributors to the plant database! Orchids Photo Contest Winner 2021 Photo Contest Winner 2023
We haven't had a drop of rain here in over a month...except for tonight when I was at an outdoor cafe for dinner..then it poured BUCKETS! My house has a water softener unit that does not appear to be working as the salt isn't disappearing ..but just to be on the safe side I use the tap that bypasses the softener. I drink the tap water and it actually tastes good..I don't know where Pasco county gets their water from. I did (finally) fertilize today...my watering can went missing in the move and I finally found an acceptable replacement on Ebay. I will have my water tested for PH just to rule that in or out...I'm loving the roots that I see happening on this and about half of the others..so I am taking that as a great sign. I wish I could remember the other plant that did this to a lesser degree..
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Nov 6, 2015 9:39 PM CST
Name: Elaine
Sarasota, Fl
The one constant in life is change
Amaryllis Tropicals Multi-Region Gardener Orchids Master Gardener: Florida Irises
Herbs Region: Florida Vegetable Grower Daylilies Birds Cat Lover
Guess you and I were the targets of the Rain Gods today, Lindsay. We were on our way to Home Depot when the skies opened twice for about 4 minutes each. Once when we were getting into the car and the other time when we were coming out of the store. Must be thankful for every drop of rain at this time of year. Never know when you'll get some more. Do you have any rain catchments set up?

I do see that reddish color come and go on my orchids at times, most of the time it's nothing to worry about as Ursula says. It just seems to fade out again. But if there's any red on the leaves, then I make sure to give that orchid an extra dose of Epsom Salts. I've even let one soak in a bucket of mild Epsom Salts when too much red turned up at once. It fades out in less than a week if you do that.

My automatic sprinklers, and the mist system in the cage both spray high pH well water, so I really watch now for that red color to show up. It means the phosphorus in the well water is preventing the uptake of minerals. I've seen a lot of improved growth this year since I adjusted my water and fert regime.
Elaine

"Success is stumbling from failure to failure with no loss of enthusiasm." –Winston Churchill
Last edited by dyzzypyxxy Nov 6, 2015 9:39 PM Icon for preview
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Nov 7, 2015 6:49 AM CST
Name: Ruud
The Netherlands
Apples Herbs Frogs and Toads Foliage Fan Region: Europe Ponds
Critters Allowed Houseplants Solar Power Aroids Birds Bromeliad
It takes on a burgundy hue AND produces lots or roots: I would think your plant is enjoying the extra light!

Ruud
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Nov 7, 2015 8:04 AM CST
Name: Ken Ramsey
Vero Beach, FL (Zone 10a)
Bromeliad Vegetable Grower Region: United States of America Tropicals Plumerias Orchids
Region: Mississippi Master Gardener: Mississippi Hummingbirder Cat Lover Composter Seller of Garden Stuff
I agree with everything said. I also have a handful of varieties that begin to turn more burgundy about two months before throwing out flower spikes. My Bc. Star Ruby 'Xanadu' AM/AOS is one that does that. Most of the leaves turn back "normal" green close to blooming time. I have several of the Star Ruby plants starting to bloom now.



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drdawg (Dr. Kenneth Ramsey)

The reason it's so hard to lose weight when you get up in age is because your body and your fat have become good friends.
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Nov 7, 2015 8:21 AM CST
Thread OP
Name: lindsey
wesley chapel, fl
Charter ATP Member I was one of the first 300 contributors to the plant database! Orchids Photo Contest Winner 2021 Photo Contest Winner 2023
Thanks all for the encouraging words...and Ken, I'm marking my calendar to look for a flush of spikes mid January! Big Grin
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Nov 7, 2015 11:02 AM CST
Name: Ken Ramsey
Vero Beach, FL (Zone 10a)
Bromeliad Vegetable Grower Region: United States of America Tropicals Plumerias Orchids
Region: Mississippi Master Gardener: Mississippi Hummingbirder Cat Lover Composter Seller of Garden Stuff
Thumbs up
drdawg (Dr. Kenneth Ramsey)

The reason it's so hard to lose weight when you get up in age is because your body and your fat have become good friends.
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Nov 20, 2015 2:11 PM CST
Thread OP
Name: lindsey
wesley chapel, fl
Charter ATP Member I was one of the first 300 contributors to the plant database! Orchids Photo Contest Winner 2021 Photo Contest Winner 2023
Elaine, I finally remembered to buy some epsom salts...I even remembered to apply it...I just poured it over the plant..probably a gallon or so ..it's been a few days with no change..

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Thank you BTW for this beautiful gem that has found a home right by my patio table!
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Nov 20, 2015 3:43 PM CST
Name: Jim Hawk
Odessa, Florida (Zone 9b)
Birds Master Gardener: Florida Hibiscus Greenhouse Charter ATP Member Garden Photography
Bromeliad Region: Florida Orchids Roses Tropicals Region: United States of America
It looks like a reaction to increased sun to me. As long as you don't see any black spots with yellow rings around them you are fine.

Jim
"Advertising may be described as the science of arresting the human intelligence long enough to get money from it." -- Steven Leacock
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