Hi,

Well, in my limited experience, I don't think there's any fast and hard
rule for what leaf colours are healthy, it depends a lot on the genetic
background doesn't it? I have 3 Dtps. Sogo Pearls and they all have
nice dark green leaves and one of them has been blooming nicely for
about half a year. On the other hand, I have a Phal. (Buena Jewel X
Coral Isles) 'C1' (which is a mix of 1/4 amboinensis, 1/4
lueddemanniana, 1/8 micholitzii, and 3/8 violacea) which has very light
(almost jade) green leaves and it blooms fine as well. For me, as long
as there is no weird discolouration, and the leaves are turgid, I just
assume they are doing okay...but that's just me.

Cheers,
Xi

J Fortuna wrote:

Ray,

You mentioned that Sean's lush bright green leaves look malnurished and that
if this is the case "pretty much guaranteeing that the thing won't bloom".
Is it the combination of "lush" and "bright" green only that is an
indication of malnurishment? I thought that lush and dark green means too
little light, is that correct?

I posted a photo of one of my Phal Noid's leaves on abpo for comparison.
Does this plant look malnurished as well? It's one of my most reliable
bloomers: most recently I can rely on it to rebloom about twice a year. It's
got tons of roots, many of them aerial. But the foliage is lush medium-dark
green. I know that this does not guarantee the thing won't bloom in this
case at least. :-)

I am trying to learn to "read" leaves better. So any feedback on what to
look for and how to interpret are appreciated.

Thanks, Joanna

"Ray" wrote in message
...

The photo of the plant shows it to have quite lush foliage that is a

bright

green in color. If that is not simply a remnant of the photo and its
appearance on my monitor, it may suggest that you have been overdoing the
nitrogen and the plant may be malnourished - stressing the plant into the
formation of keikis and pretty much guaranteeing that the thing won't

bloom.

If you can provide details, we can see if my guess has any validity!

--

Ray Barkalow - First Rays Orchids - www.firstrays.com
Plants, Supplies, Books, Artwork, and Lots of Free Info!