Why is up with my Phal? - Orchid Board

Jkelee · #1 (**permalink**) 11-18-2009, 08:33 PM

Does anyone know why this Phal loves to kick out different colored flowers every time?
It's usually got 90% pink and white blooms.
But she's always got some 'yellow & red' ones too, on the same spike.
Why is this??

Angurek · #2 (**permalink**) 11-19-2009, 03:42 PM

It might be some sort of genetic mutation, or a recessive trait that is expressed periodically.

I think it's pretty cool, though. A beautiful orchid that produces flowers of different colors...what more could anyone ask for?

slipperfreak · #3 (**permalink**) 11-19-2009, 05:33 PM

Are you sure that the flowers aren't just opening with the yellow background, and it fades to white?

BikerDoc5968 · #4 (**permalink**) 11-19-2009, 06:03 PM

Jackie, I can't believe an orchid person like yourself with so many years of experience hasn't caught on to this "plant trick"!!!!! Your chid is just trying to get you and looks like he/she has succeeded!

On a serious note... It could be as suggested by slipperfreak or like some of my variegated succulent plants where some leaves will come out all green while others all white and of course most a mixture. I took a cutting from one of my variegated Echeveria this past summer and the new plant has NO variegation. In fact, it is a mauve-violet color!!!! This happens in succulents because the expression of the color is from the stem and the germinal bud that begins in the stem. So one side of a succulent could be all green while the other side variegated; this is a bit exaggerated but you get the point. BTW does this cutie have a name?

Ethan · #5 (**permalink**) 11-19-2009, 06:37 PM

If the yellow doesn't eventually fade to white as suggested by Joe, I would assume something genetic with the cross. I have a phal where half the flowers have a tiny little red streak on them, but the other half, it isn't there. I guess what I'm trying to say is that every flower tends to be a little different from one another, but usually not this drastic???

Jkelee · #6 (**permalink**) 11-19-2009, 06:53 PM

Hi, No these don't fade like you asked. The Pink/white, stay that way. Yellow/red does too.

Thanks everyone else. Guess she's just happy, making me some differnt blooms

Biker, sorry, but she's a Noid.

Quote:

Originally Posted by slipperfreak

Are you sure that the flowers aren't just opening with the yellow background, and it fades to white?

BikerDoc5968 · #7 (**permalink**) 11-19-2009, 07:10 PM

Darn... isn't that the way it seems to be.... neat flowers and and unknown star!!!!!