Phalenopsis ?? White, leaf margins purple

[ATXOrchids]

Hi folks,

I'm growing this Phal. in a terrarium under a single 6500k CFL. Would someone tell me if I should be concerned about the new leaf and existing leaf margins being purple?

I'm thinking the light level may be too high.

Thanks

[Call_Me_Bob]

Looks fine to me! Sometimes they do that in higher light, I try to strive for that. Its not harmful!

[ATXOrchids]

Thanks Bob. I'm using a simple iPhone light meter and the level is up there at 5000fc, so I'm not surprised. As long as I'm not burning the leaves or anything, that's good.

[Call_Me_Bob]

Originally Posted by ATXOrchids

Thanks Bob. I'm using a simple iPhone light meter and the level is up there at 5000fc, so I'm not surprised. As long as I'm not burning the leaves or anything, that's good.

WOW! thats high! Judging by the leaves though, it doesn't look unhappy, just be careful and keep an eye on it. I always try to give mine as much as they can take. What light meter do you use? The app i use is the White goods Lightmeter

[ATXOrchids]

Yep, that's the one. But taking a reading is highly variable because I can't get into the terrarium to take the reading. I just did another test holding the light the same distance and offset from the Phal and got more like 3k fc.

[Call_Me_Bob]

Originally Posted by ATXOrchids

Yep, that's the one. But taking a reading is highly variable because I can't get into the terrarium to take the reading. I just did another test holding the light the same distance and offset from the Phal and got more like 3k fc.

I've found the reading differs dramatically if you hold the camera pointing straight up from the plant, or if you tilt it directly at the light.

[lepetitmartien]

A little violet is good, it means there the right level of light. Don't go further or it'll burn leaves.

[ATXOrchids]

Thanks little Martien!

[tucker85]

The orchid looks good to me. A few phals have naturally occuring purple edges on the leaves and on a few of mine the entire under-side of the leaf is purple by nature. Others have purple edges when they get high light levels. I grow mine outdoors in Florida where they often get pretty high light. The edges of the leaves and the new leaves are often purple and some of mine have purple freckles on the leaves. It does indicate that the plant is being grown at the upper end of it's light level tolerance.