purplish leaves on Lou Sneary Blue Bird - Orchid Board

orchids44 · #1 07-13-2013, 08:24 PM

I purchased a Lou Sneary 'Blue Bird' in early June from a very reputable orchid nursery at our orchid meeting last month, about 6 wks. ago. I have it indoors in a south window but about 6 feet from it. Our humidity level is 50-70% and have 2 oscillating fans circulating 24/7. I spray the roots and leaves daily. It's been fertilized twice with a very, very weak MSU. I've read that purple leaves can mean a magnesium deficiency.
Anyone with 'Blue Bird' or vanda experience please help. Is this normal or can I do something differently. As you can see from the picts, it's mounted on tree fern, it was bought like this. The roots seem very healthy. Thanks for any advice you can offer.

purplish leaves on Lou Sneary Blue Bird-blue-bird-1-jpg

purplish leaves on Lou Sneary Blue Bird-blue-bird-2-jpg

purplish leaves on Lou Sneary Blue Bird-blue-bird-3-jpg

purplish leaves on Lou Sneary Blue Bird-blue-bird-4-jpg

Tkuemmet · #2 07-13-2013, 10:42 PM

looks good! I wouldnt worry

bellini girl · #3 07-13-2013, 10:45 PM

Reddish purple can signal that the plant is receiving adequate light

nikkik · #4 07-13-2013, 10:51 PM

I agree that your plant looks good. The pigment is probably due to your light levels versus the light levels in which it was accustomed to before.

WhiteRabbit · #5 07-14-2013, 04:57 AM

Purplish spots and overall pigment is from high light

tucker85 · #6 07-14-2013, 08:22 AM

Usually the plant will get accustomed to the higher light level and the leaves will go back to being green.

orchids44 · #7 07-14-2013, 10:50 AM

Thanks to everyone for your comments and support !! I love this chid and can't wait for it to bloom. I'll relax now.

Orchid126 · #8 07-18-2013, 03:43 PM

Purple leaves can also mean it's getting optimum light. Six feet from a window is keeping your plant in the dark. It will gradually start to fail. You might bring it a few inches closer to the light and feel the leaves. If they're cool, move it forward again. Keep moving it forward and feeling the leaves. When they feel warm, move it back a few inches and leave it there.

Bud · #9 07-19-2013, 12:45 AM

My plant have the same coloring as you plant now that it is outdoors on the fire escape. Last winter it was deep green with no reddish purple tinge.

Paul Mc · #10 07-19-2013, 10:21 PM

I agree its from high/optimum light. That's kinda what I shoot for actually, but if it gets severe then it could be too much light. I agree also to touch the leaves through the day and see how warm they feel.

Paul McMahon
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