Seed parent vs pod parent

[Fairorchids]

This varies a lot, as it depends upon relative genetic dominance.

In some cases, there is virtually no difference.
In other cases, there is very significant difference.

Example No. 1: Paph. Nitens (= insigne x villosum). My dad had several hundred plants, which had been produced from several pods - made both ways.

Each plant showed the pod parent very clearly in terms of flower shape. However, 100% of the plants had insigne colors.

Example No. 2: Vandachostylis Pinky (V. falcata x Rhy. gigantea).
When falcata carries the pod, you get open, star shaped flowers and low flower count on a tiny plant.
When Rhy. gigantea carries the pod, you get fuller flowers, flower count varies (15-45) and the plant is significantly larger.