Cattleya grown under Wonderlite- HELP! - Orchid Board

Orchids4T · #1 02-24-2010, 07:10 PM

Hello everyone,

I'm new to Orchid Board. I've been growing in S/H for 3-4 years with great results (i use the 2 pot system with the water indicator). I have acquired a few mini catt hybrids and decided to help them along with a growing light- Wonderlite. The particular one I am posting is Slc. Roblar 'Orange Charm'.

I set up the light about 10 days ago. The pseudobulb and sheath have went from light green to burgundy/purple hue. Is this OK? Am I about to burn the plant? I have it placed in the right growing area according to the Wonderlite plant placement chart. The psudobulb actually looks like it has plumped up MORE than when I first received the plant.

Since I am new to growing under artificial light, I wasn't sure what to expect. Thanks for your help!

nutgirl · #2 02-24-2010, 08:57 PM

Hello and Welcome!!!!!

That is a happy sheath. Generally with orchids if they take on a reddish or purple hue it is referred to as a "sun tan". It means the plant is getting a lot of light and responding to it. It isn't bad but be careful and watch things carefully as you could easily burn it. You don't want to damage that lovely spike.

Maureen

jeffg · #3 02-24-2010, 09:13 PM

Hi Orchids4T,

I, too, am a wonderlite user. Wonderlite Fanatic is probably a better term. I have had great growth/blooming results with this light and now have 5 (thinking about #6...) I have my Catts anywhere from 14" to 2-3 feet from the light and have never had any "burn" issues. Tolumnia like it close as well. You're sheath looks good. I have several Catts in sheath now - cant wait.

I have found their growing guide helpful in gauging placement, but ultimately let the plant tell me where it's happy. BTW, I have had several "senior" (30+ yrs) growers come over and marvel at how well the plants in my house are doing with wonderlite. I got one for my sister and she is also having really good results. I'll stop before I'm pegged as a wonderlite sales rep

, but really it has made a world of difference in my hobby.

Orchids4T · #4 02-24-2010, 10:56 PM

AHHHHH, I feel so much better now! I'm very excited about the Wonderlite and nice to hear from someone who has positive results. My collection is about 30 but I'm sure it will grow! I've never had catts or their hybrids before and I love the flowers. I wish I had discovered them sooner. Thanks for your feedback.