One of my ( NOID for the moment ) plants that spent the last 2 years living in shade and has been gradually moved from light shade to more normal growing light has suddenly changed...




Some of the leaves are taking on a burgundy hue.. I don't think it's sunburn..
( but I've been wrong about quite a few things before! )
The plant is throwing out a tremendous number of impressive roots...
What do you folks think?

If the now darker leaves are firm to the touch, I wouldn't worry.

thanks...the leaves look and feel fine to me...It might be just borderline too much sun..I've seen this much more subtlety before..this happened almost overnight which seemed unusual ..

It could also be a magnesium deficiency - get some Epsom Salts. Btw, are you watering your orchids with well water by any chance? The well water here is high pH and also high in Phosphorus which can bind some of the minerals that the orchids need - like magnesium. You can test your water with an aquarium test kit from Petsmart. It's good to know the pH of your water, both tap and well water.

I water once a week with rain water c/w a tablespoon of Epsom Salts per gallon of water. Lately also been fertilizing with a fert low in Phosphorus (middle number).

We haven't had a drop of rain here in over a month...except for tonight when I was at an outdoor cafe for dinner..then it poured BUCKETS! My house has a water softener unit that does not appear to be working as the salt isn't disappearing ..but just to be on the safe side I use the tap that bypasses the softener. I drink the tap water and it actually tastes good..I don't know where Pasco county gets their water from. I did (finally) fertilize today...my watering can went missing in the move and I finally found an acceptable replacement on Ebay. I will have my water tested for PH just to rule that in or out...I'm loving the roots that I see happening on this and about half of the others..so I am taking that as a great sign. I wish I could remember the other plant that did this to a lesser degree..

Guess you and I were the targets of the Rain Gods today, Lindsay. We were on our way to Home Depot when the skies opened twice for about 4 minutes each. Once when we were getting into the car and the other time when we were coming out of the store. Must be thankful for every drop of rain at this time of year. Never know when you'll get some more. Do you have any rain catchments set up?

I do see that reddish color come and go on my orchids at times, most of the time it's nothing to worry about as Ursula says. It just seems to fade out again. But if there's any red on the leaves, then I make sure to give that orchid an extra dose of Epsom Salts. I've even let one soak in a bucket of mild Epsom Salts when too much red turned up at once. It fades out in less than a week if you do that.

My automatic sprinklers, and the mist system in the cage both spray high pH well water, so I really watch now for that red color to show up. It means the phosphorus in the well water is preventing the uptake of minerals. I've seen a lot of improved growth this year since I adjusted my water and fert regime.

It takes on a burgundy hue AND produces lots or roots: I would think your plant is enjoying the extra light!

Ruud

I agree with everything said. I also have a handful of varieties that begin to turn more burgundy about two months before throwing out flower spikes. My Bc. Star Ruby 'Xanadu' AM/AOS is one that does that. Most of the leaves turn back "normal" green close to blooming time. I have several of the Star Ruby plants starting to bloom now.

Thanks all for the encouraging words...and Ken, I'm marking my calendar to look for a flush of spikes mid January!

Elaine, I finally remembered to buy some epsom salts...I even remembered to apply it...I just poured it over the plant..probably a gallon or so ..it's been a few days with no change..


Thank you BTW for this beautiful gem that has found a home right by my patio table!

It looks like a reaction to increased sun to me. As long as you don't see any black spots with yellow rings around them you are fine.

Jim