what's up with Beallara's funny flower?

[Matt]

I have a beallara marfitch a Howard's Dream, I believe, that I had gotten about a year back. I ordered it but unfortunately in shipping the flower spike had broken. I planted in SH and the plant has taken off! new growths abound and roots out of control. I was pleased to see 2 spikes sprouting from a new growth last month, and have been impatiently waiting ever since. Yesterday it stated opening a flower and today after work I see that it has fully opened. Only thing is that the flower is completely upside down! Does anyone know why the flower would have done this? Weird!

[WhiteRabbit]

awww... it adds character! lol
It happens sometimes. I think it can be caused by changing the orientation to light, but I've had some upside down blooms even when I didn't not change the plants orientation to light

[Zoi2]

It's still a pretty cool bloom--good job growing!
Joann

[Matt]

Thanks! It is still a great bloom, and I am proud of it. Heck, I even got my girlfriend excited about this bloom. Just weird that the first flower opened upside down.

[WhiteRabbit]

Originally Posted by Matt

Thanks! It is still a great bloom, and I am proud of it. Heck, I even got my girlfriend excited about this bloom. Just weird that the first flower opened upside down.

the plant just wanted to be sure you were paying attention

[orchidsamore]

The purpose of a flower to an orchid is to attract an insect to pollinate its seed and reproduce.

The orientation of the flower has no meaning to the plant or the insect.

Brlla Marfitch has a very long flower stem and very heavy flowers. Normally they arch out from the plant if not staked. That will change the orientation of your flower to sideways or all the way 'normal' as it bends.

As you are learning this plant tends to produce more flower stems as it ages and will produce more each year.

[Erce]

i have a hanging phal doing that with all its flowers - its cool - loves when mother nature make a small joke

[temperance]

Gorgeous flowers. Nice work.
My Brlla did the same thing. I think the lack of symmetry is kind of refreshing.

[Matt]

Well another flower opened today and is sitting perfectly right side up. Ill post a pic tomorrow.

Good point about the orientation of the flower having no meaning to the plant, Jerry. Point well taken.

My adgm. summit Frenchtown did the exact same thing when it bloomed a few months ago. The first flower that opened was upside down and the rest opened "normally".

[Matt]

Thanks for the compliments, All! I am also glad to have gotten to finally see this plant in bloom, upside down, rightside up, or anywhere in between!