Eeeep!!! leaf colour break...

[bench72]

So has anyone come across this problem with their Paphiopedilum?

This is Paph gardineri



I hope it isn't a virus...

[clintdawley]

I've had this happen to a couple of phals before when I misted them and they were exposed to really strong light.

[Gin]

I have not seen it on a Paph. but have seen it on a Phal. was not a virus I think it was something to do with Fert. uptake, conversion to chlorphyll *sp* , it did green up , have not seen it again .
I have seen color break virus in Catt. blooms they look tiedyed . Gin

[Piper]

Tim,

It's hard to tell from your photo - is there any indentation on the leaf? If so, it could be cell collapse from too strong sun.

Julie

[bench72]

thanks guys/gals... thinking about it...

well firstly, Julie, there's definitely no pocky indentation... I have those indentation on my Paph laevigatum so I have that for comparison...

Clint, I'll take the day off today so I can watch how the light falls on the plant... it is surrounded by larger plants so you could be on track...

Gin, also another one that I will follow up... I've started using a hydroponic fertiliser that was in the cupboard so maybe, but then how or what do I do to reverse it and make it green up again?

"oh... please... somebody, anybody, save my chil'en"

[Gin]

poor chil'en youse feedin tem food for them commoners here is a list my friend ladybug sent to me , I don't see anything in it like what the plant shows , might try a dose of epsom salts ? some of the cures on this list are wierd Gin
This list has been doing the rounds of the Orchid Societies here in NZ. I don't know if you have it in the nether regions at the other side of the world so I thought I would post it.

Nutrient : Nitrogen (N)
Role In Plant : Protein Formation
Deficiency Symptoms : Small leaves. Yellowing of older leaves. May become purple or red in severe cases. Leaf drop occurs beginning with older leaves.
Remedy : Add blood meal, fish meal or emulsion, composted material.

Nutrient : Phosphorus (P)
Role in plant : Energy supply and photosynthesis
Deficiency Symptoms : Bronze to red colouration of dull green leaves. Dead areas on leaves or fruit. Leaves may distort in shape or drop off.
Remedy : Add bone meal or rock phosphate. Useful if PH 6.5+.

Nutrient : Potassium (K)
Role in Plant : Chlorophyll development and photosynthesis
Deficiency Symptoms : Mottled yellowing and dead areas on tips and margins of older leaves. Leaf tips may curve up or down. Plants will be stunted in severe cases.
Remedy : Add wood, especially hardwood, ashes and Potash.

Nutrient : Calcium (Ca)
Role in Plant : Cell wall formation and strength
Deficiency Symptoms : Active growing points are the first affected. Growth will be halted and may die off. Leaf margins of young leaves may be yellowed and distorted with the tips hooking back. Roots will be stubby and brown.
Remedy : Add dolomite lime or crushed eggshells.

Nutrient : Magnesium (Mg)
Role in Plant : Photosynthesis and sugar metabolism
Deficiency Symptoms : Yellowing between the veins on older leaves first. May be followed by interveinal red or purple colouring or dead spots.
Remedy : Compost or commercially prepared fertilisers containing micronutrients.

Nutrient : Boron (B)
Role in Plant : Movement of sugars throughout the plant
Deficiency Symptoms : Distortion, thickening or death of young growing points. Yellow spotting on leaves. Storage or fleshy organs develop internal abnormalities due to tissue disintegration.
Remedy : Compost or commercially prepared fertilisers containing micronutrients.

Nutrient : Sulphur (S)
Role in Plant : Protein formation
Deficiency Symptoms : Uniform yellowing of foliage, similar to nitrogen deficiency, except the new leaves are affected first, not the older leaves. Some red or purple colour may develop.
Remedy : Add powdered sulphur either as a foliar spray or soil application.

Nutrient : Iron
Role in Plant : Chlorophyll development and photosynthesis
Deficiency Symptoms : Very obvious between the vein yellowing of new foliage. Veins remain bright or dark green.
Remedy : Foliar or soil application of chelated iron.

Nutrient : Copper (Cu)
Role in Plant : Plant enzymes
Deficiency Symptoms : Dead patches and white mottling of new foliage along the edges and tips. Withered appearance and shoots may die back.
Remedy : Fertiliser containing micronutrients.

Nutrient : Manganese (Mn)
Role in Plant : Respiration and nitrogen metabolism
Deficiency Symptoms : Yellow or dead spots between the veins on new or old leaves (depends on species).
Remedy : Fertiliser containing micronutrients.

Nutrient : Molybdenum (Mo)
Role in Plant : Nitrogen utilisation
Deficiency Symptoms : Older leaves have yellow mottling between the veins. Dead spots, wilting and folding of the leaf edges may occur. Leaves may be blue-green coloured. Flower formation will cease and buds will drop off.
Remedy : Fertliser containing micronutrients.

[orchid-man]

having just seen the pic of your plant.
I believe it it will color up on its own.Ihave seen similar and that was from a fert that was 2high in nitrogen.Go for a more balanced fert.a 10 :10 : 10 is a good all rounder.Only go to a higher N rating if you are using bark , but still keep it balanced

[Hoa Tony Nguyen]

Hi Tim,
As a precaution, I would isolate this plant and separate this plant from others just in case it is a virus infection.
Did the leave look normal before and this coloration develop suddenly one day? Other leaves look normal. I would watch the new leave as it is growing. If this happens again, I am afraid you might have to chuck it.
Sorry couldn't help the chil'ren much! (hehehhee!!!)
Cheers. Hoa.