Mystery Leaf Damage

[clintdawley]

*GRIN* It's fairly easy to burn up a Phal...been there and done that.

I think 1 tsp is fine. Don't bother starting with something weaker. I've never burned ANY orchid using a 1tsp to 1 gallon concentration. You should notice the difference within a few days of shading and application. Keep us posted!!

Thanks Bruce and Clint--I think you are probably right. The plants showing the most of this yellowing effect do tend to get the most sunlight. I think I'll up the shade cloth and I will definitely pick up some Epsom salts.

So 1tsp per gallon? Should I start weaker than that and see what happens--like 1/2 tsp per gallon?

Just when I thought I had this orchid thing figured out, I go and completely change my growing environment! So, now I feel like I have to start from scratch in some ways. Thanks again.

Clint--it seems you and I have opposite problems. Your vanda needs more light, my phals a little less.

[wetfeet101b]

You can buy Epsom salts at any drugstore. Just the stuff of the shelf works fine. I would recommend 1 tsp per gallon in preferably very soft water.

Just make sure that you grab the "basic" or "unflavored" epsom salt.
With drugstores here in California, you get half an isle full of epsom salts in fancy scents and flavors.
Although I'm sure the chemicals they use to add scents are harmless to the plants, it would be better to minimize all the variables being introduced to the plant.
Who knows, that phal might be allergic to lavender or chamomile

[Becky15349]

This is a great post - I did not know that about magnesium. Perhaps I will try the epson salts also - is it safe to add the salts to water that has fertilizer? Or would that just be too much, and I should keep it separate?

[clintdawley]

I would say it would be too much--best to do it on separate ocassions. Too many TDS will hurt roots.

This is a great post - I did not know that about magnesium. Perhaps I will try the epson salts also - is it safe to add the salts to water that has fertilizer? Or would that just be too much, and I should keep it separate?

[sadie]

Just an update guys--I used Epsom salts (the unflavored variety ) and it did seem to help a little. Some of the leaves were too far gone, but I noticed that the others have greened up a bit. Two treatments so far, and so far so good. I'll keep you posted. THanks again for the tip.