What Explains This?

[bigroth]

This Lillian Nakamoto had 5 spikes when I got it, resulting in the photo where you see shades of pink. The plant was completely outgrowing its soil medium and was repotted in bark. Upon returning to my "bathroom greenhouse," it began spiking again...Smaller flowers and shorter spikes, but no more shades of pink or "freckles." Is this explained by a change in temperature or nutritional status vs shock? There is a large skylight in the bathroom and it's well ventilated. My orchids LOVE it in there (miltoniopses, oncidiums, cattleyas, and a few paphs hang out in the shady side of the bathroom).

[silken]

Quite often a 2nd blooming does produce smaller and less flowers. But the colour change would likely be temps, and growing conditions. They were likely brought to bloom the first time under optimal conditions in a professional greenhouse. It's a lovely one.

[bigroth]

Thank you...It's also rather prolific and the more recent blooms are from smaller, younger bulbs as well.

[Orchid Whisperer]

I have some Cattleyas that have a little stronger coloration when grown in more light, but which have a bit less color if buds develop under lower light, such as indoors. One is not better or worse than the other, they are just different.

Maybe your first set of buds developed in different light conditions than the second set?

[WhiteRabbit]

Light or temperature can affect color

[bigroth]

Originally Posted by Orchid Whisperer

I have some Cattleyas that have a little stronger coloration when grown in more light, but which have a bit less color if buds develop under lower light, such as indoors. One is not better or worse than the other, they are just different.

Maybe your first set of buds developed in different light conditions than the second set?

I suspect it's more light than temp. The leaves were very light (to the point of almost yellow) when it arrived and then the picture on the left resulted. It's probably getting far less light by my bathroom skylight but still spiking like a madman/woman/it.

[NYCorchidman]

The pink disappears when grown under warmer temperature, which is what most people get at home growing environment.

I love this plant and mine never had that pink again under my care. I actually like the clean white/black combo better.

The smaller flower size is most likely because of the low humidity. All the miltoniopsis open large and thin in cool greenhouses where I saw them, and the ones sold at florists.
Once they are grown in a dry home, the flower size will always get smaller. The lower flower count is usually related to the light (both or either length or intensity). With the maximum light, the flower count will generally go up.
hope this helps.

[LovePhals]

That is a beautiful Milt!!!

[euplusia]

Color intensity and 'spots' depend very much on ultraviolet light.

[Ray]

Red color, in particular, is very temperature dependent. Cooler giving stronger color.


Ray Barkalow
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