purple tinged catt leaves

[matthewjohn]

The newest leaves on my Iwana 'Apple Blossom' orchid are turning a purple color. It is darkest where the leaf axis is and gradually lightens. The plant is in a south facing window on a humidity tray and gets a good amount of sun. There are two other orchids with this on. A rescued Oncidium from Walmart and a new aquire form Carter and Holmes. Both of these plants don't have this purple tinge. The plants are watered once week and fertilzed weakly every other week. What could cause this or is it just the cultivar.

[mayres]

A combination of two things will do this. My dendrobiums did the exact same thing when I put them outside for the summer. SUN and the FLOWER COLOR (red/pink/purple colors tend to do this with lots of light). I've seen the same thing on other types too - in some cases you need to carefully watch and make certain they don't get too red - the next phase is BURN. I'm told that once they turn red they will not turn back to plain green too - have yet to prove this - but it certainly appears to be correct. Good luck. mike

In the summer I give my Iwanagaara Apple Blossom so much sun the leaves turn dark maroon. When brought inside the leaves gradually go back to being green. Given such treatment the plant blooms like crazy.