Iron deficeincy - Cattleya

[SirMac]

My catleya appears to an iron deficeincy. How much iron should be applies to an 8 inch pot.

[Ellen]

What makes you think it has an iron deficiency? Pics or a description of symptoms would be helpful.

If your leaves are the color of green olives, then they're just right. Darker leaves indicate not enough light. However, if you still feel they're too light, a dose of epsom salts (magnesium), a teaspoon to a gallon for a couple of waterings will green them up.

[SirMac]

There are large areas of light green to yellowish color on several of the leaves. The plants were re-potted by a grower last spring. At that time he said it could be that the medium deteriorated but condition still persists. The plant did bloom this month.

[SirMac]

After viewing some of Cynthia of Prescott, Az photos it looks as if the damage on the leaves was caused by Neem oil which I have used on the plants. What precautions should I take to minimize this condition from happening? Is this condition serious or only cosmetic? I have found that by using the neem oil I have fewer problems with fungi and insects. Thank you all for all the help. Ed

[Cynthia, Prescott, AZ]

I am not sure that neem oil doesn't cause fungal attack on some plants. I have restricted the use of it because some plants are too sensitive, and one has to be careful not to spray too heavily. For sure, you need to keep the plant in a cool environment, lower light, for a few days. The color loss is cosmetic mostly, and I have seen some color return for some plants, but by and large the leaves are just mared until they pass with age.