Laelia pumila yellow blotches on leaves (photos here)

[orchidaddict789]

I just got two Laelia pumilla's and for some reason, some of the leaves have yellowish discolorations. Even one of the new growths has this strange yellowish tinge. The yellowing reminds me of a tie-dyed shirt, since I can see "patterns." The plants were originally planted in treefern, and I repotted them into S/H as I heard that catt-types enjoy semi-hydro.

Any idea what is wrong? Is the yellow discoloration due to a disease or a nutrient deficiency? Or something else?

Thanks!

[Cjcorner]

When I repot catts and they don't like my idea of a new medium for them they do this thing where they shock and lose leaves on me. Looks like you are seeing the same...maybe. I've stopped changing the potting medium unless the plant looks bad when I get it. (i repot, just into as close the same stuff as possible) You may want to keep an eye on your roots as usually those are right behind my shock'ing leaves....

[orchidaddict789]

Thanks for the reply! Their roots are ok right now, but I'll keep an eye on the leaves and roots and see if they're getting any better (or worse).

Oh by the way, when I received the plants a few days ago, their leaves were already yellowish like that. I have no idea what happened when they were in the previous owner's hands.

Wow, now I'm a little worried that I'm going to further shock my plants by moving them to S/H.

[Cjcorner]

If it's not a sudden thing...there is a good chance i'm wrong. It may be from an old "sun" exposure. Hang in there...

[Brutal_Dreamer]

Most likely some stress from before. If the roots look good, they should be alright.

cheers,
BD