Why would Phal leaves get smaller?

[NewLeaf]

Hi All!
I have a neat little mottled leaved hybrid phal I have had for a few years.

I recently started running out of room so out of necessity started trying new potting situations for some of the "leafier" orchids. This phal was put into a small teracotta container with holes for roots, basically mounted then hung in my shower window. (an old tea light oil burner)

To say it took a new lease on life is an understatement. I've been trying to find more containers to move all my phals but haven't found more thus far.

High humidity, diffuse bright light, roots and leaves coming out gangbusters since the move about 3 months ago.(4th new leaf starting since)

Its odd though the new leaves are about half to a third the size of the old ones. They seem more stiff and erect, mottling is increased with more white so I can only assume this is a change for the better but why would the leaves get so much smaller?

My only thought is it needs less leaf to collect the same amount of photosynthesis. Would that be a good theory or is there something else to explain the change?

[jkofferdahl]

Smaller leaves are usually caused by one of a couple of things, or else a combination. The plant could have less healthy roots. The plant could be getting less water. The plant could be getting less light. I'm afraid that your theory, while seemingly logical, isn't likely.

[NewLeaf]

hmmm well that is interesting. Its certainly getting more light, and humidity and water, roots and leaves look great.

I know some plants will grow flatter and more spread out to maximize light when not getting enough and "close up" if at it's near max range for to minimize risk of burn so I wondered if this was a similar effect. The increase white mottling also points to more than sufficient light levels.

I guess I will just watch and wait till I figure out the cause.

---------- Post added at 12:43 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:33 PM ----------

Well you had me doubting my interpretation of what I was seeing so turned to google and turns out smaller leaves are a pretty common adaptation to high light situations. I've also noted it on my only but very happy bulbo so I guess that's why I was theorizing.

You may be right though and it might not apply to orchids.

plantsinaction.science.uq.edu.au/book/export/html/257

I will keep and eye out for other causes. I like the effect, so would like to know the exact cause. More space for more plants.

[Ray]

Generally speaking, in orchids, I find that smaller leaves means something is amiss in the culture.

I agree with John, and always check the roots first. Applying more water does not necessarily mean the plants are taking up more water...

[NewLeaf]

OK thanks I will keep an eye on it. I can see the roots are green and firm but maybe something is amiss that will show itself later.

[estación seca]

You moved your plant, and it began making smaller leaves after the move.

Often smaller, stiffer and more colored leaves are caused by getting more light. It sounds, from your first message, like your plant is growing much better in this new spot. I would guess your bathroom window is brighter than the previous spot. I would keep doing what you're doing.

When a plant remains in the same spot and begins making smaller leaves, then I would worry something is wrong.

[NewLeaf]

Originally Posted by estación seca

You moved your plant, and it began making smaller leaves after the move.

Often smaller, stiffer and more colored leaves are caused by getting more light. It sounds, from your first message, like your plant is growing much better in this new spot. I would guess your bathroom window is brighter than the previous spot. I would keep doing what you're doing.

When a plant remains in the same spot and begins making smaller leaves, then I would worry something is wrong.

That makes sense and I certainly would say the light is much better in the new spot. Many thanks

[Manu]

I have to disagree with most and reassure the OP.

From his description, the leaf is more mottled, leaf erect, he also mentions good root growth!

I'd personally tend to agree with his self analysis of higher light causing this.

I personally have the same happening to my Phal lindenii. The leaves are half the size of when I got it. Maybe 2 inches long. It's very healthy, pushes new roots, leaves and has already bloomed twice with a 3rd one on the way in the past year. The leaves are also a lot more mottled then when I got it.

I'm not 100% sure, but IMO you're right and I wouldn't change a thing!

[NewLeaf]

Just updating this post with a picture 5 months later.
Old leaves were 3 times the size and less mottled.

It hasn’t spiked yet but I’m not sure it gets cool nights in the shower window. Even without blooms it’s pretty. Anyways seems 👌 healthy so leaf size was not apparently a bad sign.

[estación seca]

They do look healthy. I'm not familiar enough with this plant to provide more advice.