Virus or mutation?

[JMLand]

I got this little phal at lowes because it was just so damn strange looking. I'm keeping it in quarantine for the time being but i was wondering if the odd petals are from a virus or a mutation. If it's a virus i'll just keep it at work. if not it goes in the greenhouse.

[BettyE]

Looks O.K. to me...If you want to keep it, and are concerned, send a piece of the plant to a virus testing company. That way you'll know for sure, plus your other orchids will be safe...BettyE.

P.S. Just for anyone who needs a virus test done, the web site is: info@crittercreeklab.com...phone:916-645-7111
Haven't used it myself; but it is good info to have stored...BettyE.

[JMLand]

Thanks for the quick reply. I figured it was a mutation because it seemed to be too uniform for a virus. It looks like the petals were turning into a lip. It's also fragrant too. smells like a phalaenopsis schilleriana.

[tucker85]

I agree, it's symmetrical so that's not the kind of thing you would see with a virus. I think you're safe to assume it's a mutation.

[Optimist]

It could be an odd parantage issue. The lip looks a lot like encyclia cordigera and not like a phal.

[ZWUM]

I'm guessing it's a peloric. Unless you see color streaks and striations on the leaves I think your ok.


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[Fairorchids]

Definitely a peloric (where petals take on some of the characteristics of the lip).

This is considered a desirable variation by some.

[NYCorchidman]

It is very difficult to tell by just visual inspection, although many virus symptoms are quite obvious.

It could be just "safe" mutation without virus being involved, or it could be mutation triggered by virus.

[quiltergal]

Agree that it is a form of peloria. Most likely it was bred for that form.

[silken]

I agree, it just looks peloric -a genetic mutation that is not uncommon and often considered desirable.