Quote:
Originally Posted by Jerry Delaney
Isn't it possible that both light and temperature play an important part in color? For example, in the spotted Phals with Golden Peoker, Super Stupid et.al. in their background, it has been fairly well documented that the size, number and intensity of the spots are pretty well controlled by the temperature.
Likewise, light intensity is known to affect the production of many pigments.
Also, exposure to light as the flowers are opening quite dramatic. Once had a C. maxima that I took to work and placed in a fairly dark lobby. About half of the blooms were open when I took it in and were normal in color while the ones never exposed to light after opening were still white weeks later!
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In 25 years I've seen literally thousands and thousands of Cattleya alliance species and Hybrids and I would bee very surprised that color intensity is controlled by temperature.... In my experience I could say that if temperature play a role on color intensity, it is minimal or at least only noticeable on very chilly winter countries. Another thing is "color area compromised", in that matter yes, temperature plays a role, specially notorious on plants that have "splash" genes on it. For example, some "splash" violaceas and lueddemannianas in Caracas only develop the "splash" on quite Warm years, standard "unifoliates" tends to cover more the lip on warm years, etc.
another complete different thing are other genera, yes, Phalaenopsis controls their bloom (including many "quality" aspects), regarding temperature. Also Cymbidiums do that, etc, etc